Regular customers dismayed at loss of popular restaurant
Islanders passing by the burnt remains of Octopus yesterday morning expressed their shock and sadness at what had happened.
Rachael Cumberland-Dodd, who was walking along La Vallette with her husband Nick, son Felix and dog Winnie, said that they all felt real sadness for the restaurant’s owners and staff.
‘I do worry for the staff and whether they will be able find other jobs quickly.’
She said that she and her family came down to the restaurant a lot, and were always impressed by the friendly atmosphere that greeted them.
‘It’s a real landmark for this area, sometimes we come for meals and other times just for an ice cream, and it’s always been absolutely lovely.
‘We know some people who were due to have their wedding reception here later in the year too, it’s just devastating to see what’s happened.’
Alex Penney said that he had known Octopus owners Delphine Pesrin-Auder and Mickael Pesrin since he was very young, adding that he had lots of wonderful memories of times spent at the restaurant.
‘It’s a lovely place and it’s such a shame for Delphine and Mike, as well as the staff who work there.’
Paul Helyer, a regular customer for many years, said he was interested to see the state of the building following the fire.
‘I wanted to see what was left,’ he said. ‘There seems to be a lot of straw in the roof which is probably why there was so much smoke.’
He added that the restaurant had served the surrounding area well.
‘It was the perfect place for a coffee if you’d just been for a swim or been fishing. I liked to sit on the terrace in the summer.’
A small team from Fire & Rescue and the police were still carrying out investigative work on the site yesterday morning.
Incident commander Danny Joyce said that the team was keeping an open mind and exploring all possible avenues as to what had happened.
‘We are working together to establish what the probable cause of the incident was.’
OTHER RESTAURANTS QUICK TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT
Several Town restaurants were quick to express their support online to Octopus following the restaurant’s fire.
Pier 17 said in a statement on Facebook that it was a great sadness to have woken up on Saturday to news of the fire.
‘We would like to send all our care and support to our good friends Mike, Delphine and all their amazing team. Love and support from all the team at Pier 17.’
Balthazar said that its staff’s hearts went out to their fellow restaurateurs and team at a ‘difficult’ time.
‘Wishing them strength and resilience as they rebuild,’ it added.
The Slaughterhouse, which operates on the opposite side of Havelet Bay from Octopus, said that the restaurant had been a cherished companion of Guernsey’s community for the past six years.
‘Sending our thoughts and support their way, trusting that they’ll be able to reopen another fantastic venue in its place,’ it added.
The Terrace said that Octopus would emerge from the tragedy stronger than ever.
‘May the power of thoughts and prayers surround our fellow restaurateurs Delphine and Mike like a warm embrace. Know that you are loved and supported.’
