Popular riverside Exeter restaurant closes after kitchen fire

One of Exeter’s best-known riverside restaurants is currently closed following a small kitchen fire that took place yesterday morning (Sunday, February 8).

On The Waterfront, located in the historic quayside building on Exeter Quay, shut its doors after the incident prompted a response from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire broke out shortly before 9.30am, with smoke seen rising from the roof of the premises. Fire crews attended the scene quickly and brought the situation under control.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed at the time: “There was a fire at a commercial kitchen in a business on the Quay. The fire is now out, but we’re still investigating just to check it hasn’t spread anywhere.”

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Although the incident was dealt with promptly, the restaurant is now closed while essential safety checks and clean-up work are carried out.

In an official statement, On The Waterfront confirmed that the closure is a precautionary measure.

The restaurant said: “We can confirm that there was a small kitchen fire at On The Waterfront on Sunday morning (8 February). The fire service attended promptly and the incident was dealt with quickly.

“All staff and customers were safely evacuated as a precaution, and no one was injured.

“The damage to the building has been limited, primarily relating to heat and smoke in part of the kitchen. We are currently carrying out the necessary clean-up and safety checks with specialist engineers.

“As a precaution, the restaurant is closed yesterday and tomorrow while these checks are completed. We are aiming to reopen on Tuesday, subject to final safety sign-off.

“We would like to thank Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response, and thank our customers for their patience and support. We will be contacting all affected bookings directly.”

The venue also issued an update to customers on Instagram confirming the temporary closure.

The post read: “Due to a minor kitchen incident earlier today, we will be closed today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday) while we carry out essential checks and tidy-up works.

“The Fire Service attended extremely quickly and we’re very grateful for their support. “Thankfully, nobody is hurt, damage is limited and we’re already working through what’s needed to reopen safely.

“The team were amazing and acted with professionalism and safety at heart.

“We’re aiming to be back open on Tuesday, and we will contact all upcoming bookings directly. Please bear with us.”

The restaurant is a popular destination for both Exeter residents and visitors to the Quay, and the sudden closure has affected bookings over the start of the week.

Management say they hope to reopen as soon as inspections are completed and the premises are fully cleared for safe operation.

An investigation into the exact cause of the fire remains ongoing, but it is understood to have been confined to part of the kitchen area.

For now, On The Waterfront remains closed, with staff working behind the scenes to ensure a swift and safe return to service.