Hopes to promptly reopen a fire-struck restaurants have been dashed.

Managers at the Cider Works in Waldershare had hoped to be back in business by Saturday morning.

But heavy rain last night caused more damage to the property and the reopening has had to be put back.

The new date for when customers can come back is now not yet known.

Amanda Wedl, from the restaurant, said: "Due to last night's heavy rain we have had additional setbacks with further water damage and the knock on effect with the electrics and so on..

" This being the case we are reluctantly going to have to put reopening on hold for the moment until we can make the building water-tight."

The blaze at the Sandwich Road restaurant had broken out just after 9.30am last Friday, April 6.

Four fire engines were needed to deal with the blaze, which ripped through the first floor and roof.

The building was evacuated of a small amount of people, restaurant staff and occupants of flats upstairs but no customers.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said today (Wednesday): "The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and it is thought to have started in the area of the main chimney."

Ms Wedl told the Mercury: " The majority of the damage has affected the roof and first floor.

" Fortunately the ground floor has been relatively unscathed.

" It has been a terrible shock but we are so thankful for the efforts of Kent Fire and Rescue Service who were absolutely outstanding.

"Not only did they bring the fire under control speedily but they worked tirelessly to salvage important items. We have also been hugely bolstered by the kind messages of support both in person and on our Facebook page.

" The next few months will obviously be a trying time but with the continued support of our fantastic customers and friends we are sure we will get through this."

Customers are being advised to visit the restaurant's Facebook page and website ciderworks.co.uk for the announcment of the new opening date.