'˜Exciting day' as Côte reopens a year after devastating blaze

General manager Pedro Martins and his team welcomed the returning customers who began arriving for breakfast shortly after it opened its doors at 8am.

“We had so many people in for breakfast at 8am and more at 9am, and lots of people in for lunch and dinner” he said. “It’s been a really exciting day, and it’s great to be so busy.”

The restaurant’s fresh new look has gone down well with customers, who praised the decor and new layout, with a first-floor balcony overlooking the entrance atrium and more tables upstairs including booths for relaxed dining.

“I’m very proud to be here,” said Pedro.

He welcomed guests to the opening evening, including C Watch from Horsham Fire Station, many of whom fought the blaze which severely damaged the Grade II listed building back in September 2017.

Côte’s regional operations manager Antonio Cipollaro was also delighted to see the restaurant reopen.

“Being a resident in Horsham myself, I know it’s been missed by the community, and it’s nice to see it open again,” he said.

“The team’s have done an amazing job, it looks great - we’ve tweaked the decor so it’s slightly different to the majority of our restaurants, and the feedback is really good.”

Chairman of Horsham District Council Peter Burgess attended the reopening with his wife, councillor Karen Burgess.

He said: “When I was invited to attend, I asked, are you inviting me as chairman, or local councillor, or as patrons, because we have missed it.

“We’re really pleased to see it reopen.”