Heartbreak as fire wrecks Cheerio juice bar
Landlords TfL assessing the damage
The damage at Cheerio
BY FINN LOGUE
THE owner of a family-run juice bar next to Kilburn tube station is “heartbroken” after an overnight fire completely destroyed the independent business.
Khadija Nakhli was told by phone from station staff at 2am on Monday morning that Cheerio Juice Bar and Bakery in Shoot Up Hill was ablaze.
The London Fire Brigade is investigating but has said there were no reported injuries and said the cause is believed to be accidental.
Cheerio was opened almost five years ago by Ms Nakhli and her sister, and was an important part of the community in Kilburn.
Speaking to the New Journal, she said: “Our regulars and the community who came to Cheerio made it feel like a family in Kilburn, not a business.
“It’s heartbreaking for us, and it’s heartbreaking for our customers. It’s been our baby for almost five years now, and to see it that way after the fire was completely shocking.
“We don’t know what’s next for us now. Cheerio was something the family relied on, it gave us purpose and something to do.”
The front of the business is taped off after the blaze
The business was set up just after the Covid lockdown restrictions ended.
Ms Nakhli said she felt very sad for her staff in the shop who were now out of a job as a result of the fire.
She said her family were figuring out the next steps with insurance and finances.
Customers have made contact with her family to express their sympathy and were deeply shocked at what happened, she said.
Ms Nakhli said she was working with landlords TfL to clear the damage and secure the property.
Fatima Amine, who lives opposite the station, said she woke up at around 3am to bright flashing lights and could see black smoke coming from her kitchen window.
She said: “I’m as shocked as everyone. It’s a real shame. “They’ve been here for a few years now and are often open late, serving lots of people who like to sit and socialise outside the shop.”
The London Fire Brigade said that 25 firefighters and four fire engines attended and the fire was brought under control by 3.23am.
To help Ms Nakhli out with the fundraiser visit
