A RESTAURANT has suffered significant damage due to Storm Eunice – and owners estimate it will cost at least £30,000 to repair.

The Gingerman Restaurant in Norfolk Square, Brighton, has been partly destroyed by high winds brought in by the storm, which has been dubbed as one of the worst to hit the UK in a generation.

Owner Pamela McKellar said the extraction system at the back of the building had been blown off, and that it could take months to repair the damage.

The Argus: The extraction system at the back of the restaurant has been destroyed by Storm EuniceThe extraction system at the back of the restaurant has been destroyed by Storm Eunice

The restaurant has now closed, and bookings have been cancelled.

Pamela told the Argus: “The outside extraction has been blown off the whole back of the building. This goes up five floors and will be a massive job to get back up.

“It could run into months, but we are trying to be optimistic with weeks.”

She estimates that the cost of repairs will be at least £30,000.

The Argus: Damage caused to the Gingerman in BrightonDamage caused to the Gingerman in Brighton

It comes as millions of people were urged to stay at home on due to safety fears over the impact of Eunice, and many businesses were forced to close their doors.

Footage from Rockwater in Western Esplanade, Hove showed several sofas and chairs whizzing by the windows as they were carried off by strong winds.

Voices inside the venue could be heard gasping in dismay as they watched on.

The Argus: Storm Eunice battered Brighton and Hove seafrontStorm Eunice battered Brighton and Hove seafront

Homes have been left without power, flights and trains have been suspended and roads, schools and businesses have closed.

Brighton Marina was also battered by strong winds and high tides as Eunice took fully effect.

Potentially record-breaking gusts of more than 120mph have been recorded in the most exposed areas.

A number of fish have also been stranded on beaches amid stormy conditions caused by the storm.

One photograph shows a sea creature stranded on the pebbles on Brighton beach, near the West Pier, while another fish was found by a walker near the undercliff in Saltdean.

Brighton and Hove City Council has urged the public to stay away from the seafront, as “flying peddles” could cause injury.

Sussex Police previously issued a statement warning the public of dangerous conditions.

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