A Coventry café has been forced to shut its doors indefinitely following a destructive fire. The blaze started in the space above Cassilex Café in Holbrooks on Saturday 4.

Images posted on the café’s Facebook page reveal the scale of destruction, shared with the proprietor’s consent.

Proprietor Samantha Garvey described herself as devastated. The business had recently marked 16 years of operation.

Investigators are believed to be examining the flat situated above the Roland Avenue establishment to determine the fire’s cause.

Samantha expressed that the team was utterly heartbroken after commemorating 16 years in business, yet noted the community’s backing had been tremendous.

She mentioned they could not yet access the building as firefighters remained on site making the area secure while forensic specialists worked in the flat above to establish how the fire began.

The local community sprang into action upon learning of the incident, and Jade, who runs the adjacent Blooms n Blossoms Florist, established a GoFundMe campaign.

As of publication, more than £2,500 had already been collected, despite the fundraising page only having been created that morning.

Jade noted that while businesses carry insurance, independent enterprises face considerable challenges even under normal circumstances, and any funds raised would assist the staff through the difficult period ahead.

On the GoFundMe page, Jade wrote that Cassilex Café had recently celebrated its 16th business anniversary and had undergone a lovely renovation.

She mentioned having known the Cassilex team for 13 years, describing owner Sam and her two daughters Cassidy and Lexi as truly an exceptional trio, noting they are among the most dedicated, compassionate individuals who consistently exceed expectations for others.

Sam has invested enormous dedication into this venture while her two daughters have matured and worked alongside her over the years. However, it represents far more than a business, it is a way of life, a dream once envisioned and years of effort making it tangible.

Cassilex Café posted on their Facebook page that they would not be reopening for some time due to the fire’s seriousness.

The staff described themselves as utterly heartbroken while commending the fire service and local residents for their assistance.