Watch: Fire-damaged Crimson Tree restaurant should be open again in two weeks

A popular restaurant is now expected to be open within two weeks following a fire believed to have been started by tea towels.

The blaze at the Crimson Tree in Sherwood began on Sunday after a small pile of hot towels were put together in a basket.

It caused the business to close and repairs are now underway. Owner Shaima Swift

No-one was hurt but firefighters warned people – especially those in the restaurant and hospitality sector – of the dangers of tumble dryers and tea towels.

If a bundle is left to cool outside of the dryer, the middle towels can heat up. This can cause a reaction with fat and oil, which can stay on towels after washing, and start a fire.

Shaima said: “It’s your livelihood and it’s my baby, I’ve worked hard for it for the last five to six years so it’s pretty scary

“Thankfully we’ve got an amazing local community that are very, very supportive and it’s quite overhwhelming.

“Effectively we are going to be closed for the best part of two weeks.”