Coffee House Owner Hopes For Christmas Reopening After Lorry Crash Devastates Business

(c) East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

A coffee shop owner whose business was badly damaged when a lorry crashed into the front of her premises says she is aiming to reopen by Christmas.

The incident happened on 2 May at The Coffee House on the A22 in Nutley, East Sussex, when a lorry collided with the front of the building, causing significant structural damage.

Owner Hannah Jackson says the past two months have been extremely difficult, describing the situation as “incredibly stressful”.

“It was an absolute nightmare,” she said. “The crash happened just before our plans to celebrate the coffee shop’s one-year anniversary.”

She added that everything has been left on hold while investigations and insurance work continue.

“I’ve been speaking to the business and building insurers who are still carrying out more inspections of the building, which includes the basement,” she said.

Jackson says the full extent of the damage is still not known, meaning the overall repair costs remain unclear.

She also says the closure has brought ongoing financial pressure, with the business losing income each day it cannot reopen, while still continuing to pay staff.

“However, we continue to pay our staff, we have such a wonderful team,” she said.

Despite the setback, Jackson says the support from the local community has been overwhelming.

She revealed that residents organised an anniversary celebration for the café while it has been closed.

“People threw us an anniversary birthday party for the shop,” she said. “We are so grateful for their support and understanding.”

She added that the gesture showed just how much the business means to local people, saying the team felt “honoured” to be part of the community.