Michelin star restaurant Variety Jones ‘seriously damaged’ in fire

Michelin star restaurant Variety Jones has been seriously damaged following a fire at the premises on Thursday.

The fire broke out at approximately 7pm at the restaurant, which is located at 79 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. The eatery officially moved to the location from next door, 78 Thomas Street, on June 28th.

Keelan Higgs, the restaurant’s owner, told The Irish Times the fire had caused “serious damage” to the premises.

“I’m away at an event in London so I am kind of hearing everything second-hand,” he said. “I know that everyone is safe. No one was harmed, and all our customers and staff were evacuated. That’s the most important thing.

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“I’m not sure of the extent of the damage to be honest. I know the fire was put out pretty promptly, but there is some pretty serious damage, so I’ll just have to get back in the morning, try and suss it out, and see where we go from here.”

Mr Higgs said the restaurant would be closed on Friday but that there was a chance it could reopen at its former premises on Saturday.

“We are closed certainly tomorrow because the staff are pretty shook,” he said. “You never think these things are going to happen, but when they happen they happen quick. It obviously shocks people how quick because it’s such a raw thing and it can take over very quickly.

“We’re going to try to go back to Number 78 next door for Saturday maybe. I am just going to check in with staff to make sure everyone is okay to do that, and if not, we won’t be open for the rest of the week.

“We had aimed to close for holidays anyway after this week, so it’s just a shame this happened in our new spot, but I will see the lay of the land tomorrow.”

[ Variety Jones review: Already one of my meals of the year ]

Dublin Fire Brigade said firefighters discovered a well-developed fire in the building at the junction of Thomas Street and Francis Street on arrival.

Breathing apparatus teams were dispatched to extinguish the fire. Four fire engines along with a turntable ladder attended the scene from Dolphins Barn and Tara Street fire stations.

Nearby buildings were fully evacuated, but there were no injuries reported. The fire was brought under control by 7.30pm.