The Giggling Squid is to reopen its restaurant in Church Road, Hove, next month four months after giant hailstones ripped through its roof in a freak storm.
The hailstones caused damage over four floors of the building, including the basement which was awash with water as a result.
The growing chain said on its website: “We are nearly ready. Can’t believe how much of a mess water can make when it gets into a building.”
The restaurant’s owner Andy Laurillard was away when the damage was done. He said at the time: “I’m told the hailstones were the size of golf balls.
“This must have meant the volume of water and ice just piled up and went into the roof rather than through the gutters.
“It must have been 500 to 1,000 litres of water coming in. It was 6in deep in the basement.
“We have lost the ceilings and floors all the way through the restaurant, from the second floor to the basement.
“The electrics are out, the decor is knackered.”
Mr Laurillard promised a smart new look for the Hove restaurant while encouraging people to try the branch in Market Street, Brighton, during the £150,000 refit.
Last month a Chinese restaurant in Sevenoaks closed with the owner blaming the success of the newly opened Giggling Squid there as well as the popularity of a recently opened Wagamama.
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