WRANGLES with an insurance company after a fire gutted the popular family-run Caffe Piccolo restaurant in West Street, Farnham, last year almost drove its owner Darius Ahmadi to close for good.

But after an extraordinary community response – in which more than £3,600 was raised towards the repairs and countless local firms and tradesmen came to his rescue – Darius said he "found the fight" to carry on. Less than a year later, he threw open Piccolo’s doors this week.

A party was held on Sunday, October 10 to thank all those who have pitched in to help get the Italian restaurant back on its feet – and since word got out, Piccolo’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing.

Around 45 firefighters tackled the blaze as it took hold early on Wednesday, November 11, last year – gutting the restaurant’s kitchen, and causing damage throughout the Grade II-listed building.

It is now believed the fire was caused by a faulty tumble dryer. But because this cannot be proven, Darius has been unable to seek damages from the dryer’s manufacturer.

And to make matters worse, because the cause of the fire is officially "unproven", and Darius’ electrical safety certificates were destroyed by water damage, his insurer has refused to give a full payout.

This almost forced Darius to close his restaurant for good. But he says the support from the community swayed his mind, and Darius’ list of people to thank is long.

Darius, who is also celebrating his 20th anniversary at Piccolo this year, said: “It was a massive challenge, but the support from locals was unbelievable.

“GU9 Electrical gave me a discount on their rates and opened me an account with their traders to get me cheaper material.

“Nick Derbyshire brought me sandbags, towels, dehumidifiers and has helped with so many other things without me asking.

“GD & Sons builders were absolutely amazing. They dropped everything to build my new kitchen within ten weeks.

“Moran Roofing – I called them three times because water was coming in here, and they left everything behind and came here.

“Holly Wilson, a local lady, launched a fundraising page and raised £3,600 towards the repairs.

“And my suppliers, CDS, another local firm, have given me so much equipment even though I don’t have the money for it yet.

“When I had problems with the insurance, I was thinking maybe I should just let it go. But I couldn’t get this amount of support anywhere else – it’s priceless, and made me realise this place is worth the fight.

“The fact people care about this place so much, it just makes me feel so blessed.

"This place has to work, it has to stay a part of Farnham, create more good memories, more good times for everybody, and be a place for celebrations again."

Caffe Piccolo is open for dinner seven days a week, and for lunch Wednesday to Sunday. Call 01252 723277 to book.