Pilgrim Coffee owner Will Priestley says he will rebuild after Hobart CBD fire

PILGRIM Coffee owner Will Priestley has vowed to return bigger and better than ever after a fire destroyed the popular cafe earlier this month — but it may take a while.

PILGRIM Coffee is not expected to reopen for at least a year but will return bigger and better than ever, owner Will Priestley says.

A late-night fire caused by a faulty bar fridge destroyed the popular Hobart cafe on the corner of Argyle and Liverpool Streets earlier this month.

Damage to the Argyle St side of Pilgrim Coffee. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Mr Priestley this morning told the Mercury it could take up to two years to rebuild because of the significant structural damage caused by the blaze.

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“We definitely want to reopen, we just have to wait and see what happens with the insurance company,” he said.

“It’s at least 12 months away, but could be much longer. If there’s a silver lining, we now have the chance to pick up any flaws in the original design and create a new fit-out that will improve customer service and business efficiency. Things will definitely be different.”

Pilgrim Coffee owner Will Priestley with his girlfriend Camille Kay at the scene. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Mr Priestley's burger restaurant The Standard, which is next door to Pilgrim Coffee, was also damaged in the fire and will need a full kitchen refit, which is likely to take two or three months.

“Unfortunately, The Standard is still closed as well, we need to put in a new ceiling, new vinyl floor and remove our built-in cool room,” Mr Priestly said.

“The team are certainly sticking together, the staff have been very good, although many have had to go and get new jobs, all of them have said they have the intention to come back.”

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Mr Priestley said there had been overwhelming support from the community since the devastating event, with many offering to pitch in and help with the clean up and rebuild.

Regional fire investigator Matt Lowe said the damage bill was estimated between $400,000 and $500,000, partly because of the building’s heritage status.

A fire truck at the scene in Hobart's CBD. Picture: SUSAN OONG

Materials used during the building’s construction, including wood shavings used as insulation between the walls, contributed to the quick spread of the fire.

Pilgrim’s windows were completely smashed out in the fire, with everything inside severely damaged and scorched. The business is now covered up with plywood boarding.

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