Colchester Harvester destroyed in major fire, staff to be relocated

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:29 · Archive

A major fire has destroyed Colchester's Harvester restaurant at Stanway, with the building left beyond saving.

A major fire has destroyed Colchester's Harvester restaurant at Stanway in the early hours of last Wednesday. Firefighters battled the flames for hours before determining the building was left beyond saving. The family restaurant, which had long been a fixture for residents in the west of Colchester, has remained closed since the fire and is expected to be demolished.

Concerns have been growing over the future of employees at the restaurant. However, it is understood that Harvester is working through a plan to relocate all members of staff to other premises. The company has previously said it was focused on supporting team members and thanked emergency services for their response to the incident.

Regular customers have expressed sadness at the loss of the restaurant, with many praising the staff. Michelle Wood, a regular customer, said the loss was devastating for the staff and that as regular customers they would miss seeing them. Another customer, Sharon Reynolds, said she hoped all staff would be supported during this time. Many tributes have focused on the staff who helped make the restaurant a favourite destination for families and regular diners.

How it is being reported

• Praise for 'lovely staff' as Harvester works to support workers after blazeRestaurant regulars have praised “lovely staff” after Colchester’s Harvester was destroyed in a huge fire.Colchester Gazette · 19 Oct, 11:00
• Praise for 'lovely staff' as Harvester works to support workers after blazeRestaurant regulars have praised “lovely staff” after Colchester’s Harvester was destroyed in a huge fire.Echo (Basildon) · 19 Oct, 11:00
• Praise for 'lovely staff' as Harvester works to support workers after blazeRestaurant regulars have praised “lovely staff” after Colchester’s Harvester was destroyed in a huge fire.Brentwood Guardian · 19 Oct, 11:00

In this story: Harvester · Colchester · Stanway · Essex Fire and Rescue Service

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem