Plans unveiled to rebuild cafe destroyed by fire

Plans to rebuild a popular biker cafe have been submitted, four months after it was destroyed by fire.

The View Coffee Shop in Milton Abbas, Dorset, went up in flames in the early hours of 27 June and the neighbouring sports pavilion was also badly damaged.

Hayley Bridge, who opened the cafe in 2023, was given the go-ahead in August to start clearing up the site while the insurance process continued.

She is seeking permission from Dorset Council to build a "like-for-like" timber replacement building, including a pergola and toilets.

According to the application, the new cafe will be the same size but will include improved insulation and aluminium window frames.

It says the neighbouring sports pavilion remains unused due to fire damage and is awaiting repair.

The View is a popular stop-off for cyclists and bikers and is part of the Bike and Brew Passport Event - a UK-wide charity scheme for motorcyclists who collect stamps in a passport-style book at bike-friendly venues.

Organisers said any money dropped in to its collection tins at participating venues throughout July would be donated to the cafe.

One passport community member also organised a ride-out to raise money for the View.

Posting on Facebook, Bridge thanked everyone for their support and said, since the fire, she had been visiting other passport venues.

She said: "Being part of this event has been amazing. So lucky enough to see both sides.

"I personally can't wait to be part of this event next year with our new rebuilt coffee shop."

At the time of the fire, Bridge had recently completed cancer treatment, including months of chemotherapy.

An online fundraiser to support the coffee shop and pavilion raised more than £12,000.