The Shy Wren restaurant at Penneshaw destroyed in $1 million blaze

A huge blaze has gutted a Kangaroo Island restaurant, leaving its owners stunned and shocked at losing their entire business. See the photos.

The owners of a Kangaroo Island restaurant have been left devastated after a fire destroyed their business.

The blaze tore through The Shy Wren in Penneshaw on Tuesday morning, causing an estimated $1m of damage and completely gutting the building.

The fire was reported about 9.15am, with CFS crews from Penneshaw, Kingscote, American River and Parndana heading to Thomas Wilson St to find the restaurant completely engulfed in flames.

The response included 25 CFS volunteers and five fire trucks. No surrounding businesses were affected by the fire.

Inside The Shy Wren restaurant in Penneshaw, which was gutted by the fire. Picture: Supplied

The Shy Wren bar in Penneshaw has been destroyed in a devastating fire. Picture: Supplied

The damage to The Shy Wren was estimated at $1 million. Picture: CFS

The Shy Wren owner Zoe Wright said the loss of her and partner Luke Davey’s business was “devastating”.

“It’s pretty much gone,” Ms Wright said. “It’s pretty devastating – something you put your heart and soul into to go up in flames so quickly.”

Ms Wright said the cause of the fire was unknown, with investigators expected to assess the building on Tuesday afternoon.

Ms Wright and Mr Davey opened the restaurant in January 2022.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ms Wright said hours after the blaze.

“It’s very surreal. You think this happens to other people.”

Ms Wright said the building was insured but she had “no idea” if the business would be reopened.

“What we’re seeing now is just all our hard work completely destroyed,” she said.

Ambulance and SA Police also attended the scene.

Originally published as The Shy Wren restaurant at Penneshaw destroyed in $1 million blaze