Rebuild The Joyful Deli after Devastating Fire

In the early hours of June 9th, a devastating fire tore through The Joyful Deli, reducing much of this beloved local spot to ash. The blaze broke out around 1am, destroying the main seating area, the deli, the bar, and our cherished barn — a historic structure that has been the heart of so many memories.

The fire consumed all the furniture, much of which had been lovingly collected and restored by Jilly and Mike over the past five years. These weren’t just chairs and tables — they were part of the soul of The Joyful Deli. The barn itself, a beautiful old building full of character, has been left in ruins.

Jilly and Mike, along with their two boys, horses, and dogs, live on-site. Thankfully, everyone is safe. But the emotional and financial toll is heavy, and they now face the unimaginable task of rebuilding their dream from the ground up.

Why This Matters

The Joyful Deli wasn’t just a place to grab lunch or a coffee — it was a community hub, where stories were shared, friendships were built, and joy was served daily. Many of us have celebrated birthdays, reunions, or simply quiet mornings there. Its warmth came not just from the building, but from the people who poured their hearts into it every day.

How You Can Help

We’re raising funds to help Jilly and Mike rebuild what was lost:

• Buy a temporary coffee station/equipment and bar to open ASAP for take-out and sit out drinks

• Find emergency accommodation for Jilly, Mike and the family

• Repair and restoration of the barn

• Replacing all lost furniture and equipment

• Restocking the deli and bar

• Helping cover short-term income losses while the space is closed

• Ensure all staff receive their wages whilst they are unable to work

To clarify: The barn building is insured but the contents is not. The building is located on a floodplain so contents could not be insured.

Any amount — large or small — will go directly to helping this much-loved family and their small business get back on their feet.

Please consider sharing this with others who have loved and supported The Joyful Deli over the years. With your help, we can bring the joy back.

❤️ Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— Friends of The Joyful Deli