Heavy flooding leaves Kent and Sussex with huge bill for damage

Restaurateurs and hoteliers were this week counting the cost of flood damage that has threatened to put some of them out of business.

In the worst-hit areas of Sussex and Kent, restaurants and hotels were under several feet of water for more than 24 hours.

Others stayed open for the sake of local people made homeless by the deluge.

They struggled to continue serving despite power failures and problems getting food supplies.

For the 550-year-old Chequers Inn in Lamberhurst, Kent, this was the fourth flood in a year. Tenant Claire de Garston had just finished redecorating after the last deluge when floodwaters burst through her wall of sandbags.

The inn has a 30-seat dining room and five bedrooms. De Garston estimates the flood will cost her £40,000 in lost business.

She said: "The car park was like a white-water rapid. I'm very tempted to chuck it all in."

Flood damage was so severe at McDonald's in Uckfield, East Sussex, the hamburger chain is planning to lift its restaurant out of the water and replace it with an entirely new building, in time to reopen next week.

Thackery's, a 30-seat restaurant in Lewes, East Sussex, suffered more than £100,000 of damage. "I only hope we'll be ready to reopen in time for the Christmas trade," said chef-proprietor Graham Funnell.

The Snowdrop Inn, also in Lewes, was marooned by the rising tides. There were frequent power cuts, so diners had to be served by candlelight.

Forecasters have warned more rain could be on the way.

by Linley Boniface

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 19-25 October 2000