News / Restaurants
‘Devastating’ fire at award-winning Bristol restaurant
The owners of one of Bristol’s best-loved restaurants have pledged to “rebuild” following a “devastating” fire.
The fire was caused by an electrical fault in one of the fridges at Bokman, which in October was named the UK’s best restaurant for Korean cuisine outside London.
Bokman on Nine Tree Hill off Stokes Croft will remain closed while the damage from the blaze is assessed.
In the meantime, owners Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson are extending an invitation to their other restaurant, Dongnae on Chandos Road, until Bokman is able to reopen.
Bokman co-owners Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson opened a second restaurant, Dongnae, on Chandos Road in 2024 – photo: Christian Barnett
In a statement on Christmas Eve, the Bokman team said: “We have some sad news to share – on Monday, there was a fire at Bokman, which was caused by an electrical fault in one of our fridges.
“Luckily, there was no one on site and no one was hurt.
“We currently don’t know the extent of the damage or how long it will take us to rebuild, but we’ve tried to contact everyone who’s made a New Year’s Eve booking.
“We’re so sorry for having to change your plans but we hope you’ll understand.
“This isn’t how we imagined we’d be ending the year and it’s devastating for us as a small business.
“Obviously, this doesn’t just impact us, but our team, our suppliers and of course, you, our guests.
“To everyone who’s sent kind messages, thank you. Your support means everything.
“And thank you to Avon Fire and Rescue Service for your bravery and quick response and salvaging as much as possible of our beloved restaurant.
“We will keep you posted with updates when we have them.
“For anyone with bookings in January, we’ll be in touch but we’re just in the midst of things right now and need to comprehend this news, as it was a shock to us all.
“We hope to see some of your faces at Dongnae over the next few weeks.”
Main photo: Milan Perera
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