Mystery Fire Shuts Westward Ho! Cafe - 4th June 1971

The cause of a fire that did thousands of pounds of damage at the Malibu Restaurant in Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! at about 8am on Saturday remains a mystery. The alarm was given by staff members when the outbreak occurred in the kitchen and firemen from Appledore and Bideford (the latter with two appliances) had to wear breathing apparatus because of the smoke. It was thought that damage had largely been confined to that caused by smoke, but subsequent examination revealed that although this was so on the first floor, formica walls and ceilings downstairs were so badly affected that they have to be renewed. Mr and Mrs K C Tarrant, of Bognor Regis, took over the business from Mr J W Needs about a month ago. 'My wife and I had worked from early morning until late at night to set the place as we wanted it,' said Mr Tarrant. 'We had started trading, were doing well and everything was just right.' Even if things go well, it will be a month before the business reopens. The new centre of the cafe was a fish and chip range, which was destroyed, and the makers have given a delivery date in August. Mr and Mrs Tarrant, who do not live on the premises, have been overwhelmed by the kindness of fellow traders who had offered practical help, including equipment and stock. 'We are deeply grateful' said Mr Tarrant. 'Until this time we had felt outsiders. It has helped us to that extent.'