The owners of a popular Lyttelton cafe are devastated by a fire that has gutted the building.
Firefighters were called to the fire at The Shroom Room in London St shortly before 8pm on Sunday night, as thick plumes of smoke rose above the port town near Christchurch.
Co-owner Richard Leech said the fire appeared to have started in the front-of-house part of the café, although no one was there at the time.
He and co-owner Koryn Hope were holidaying in Abel Tasman when the fire broke out but were heading back to Christchurch on Monday to assess the damage.
"We're just devastated. It's devastating for our staff and for customers and for us," Leech said.
"It's been completely gutted. Everything is gone."
Leech understood the fire had resulted in some smoke damage to a neighbouring bookshop but no structural damage.
Fire investigators were examining the cause.
SHARE ME