The East Street restaurant in Bedminster had to evacuate its customers
Bombil Restaurant on East Street in Bedminster, is the latest venture from the team behind Nutmeg, Nutmeg Street Kitchen, Nadu and Kal Dosa(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
Fire crews and officers from Avon and Somerset Police have issued statements following a fire at a busy restaurant on East Street in Bedminster more than a week ago. Bombil, an Indian restaurant which opened inside a former Bedminster bank in September 2024, was the victim of a fire which started in the toilets of the premises, after a customer allegedly set fire to toilet roll in a bid to avoid payment.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: “On December 20 at 8:50pm, crews from Temple, Bedminster, Kingswood, and Avonmouth were called to a fire on East Street, Bristol. Upon arrival, crews found the basement on fire.
“Firefighters entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and extinguished the fire with jets. Fans were then used to clear the smoke and thermal imaging cameras to check for hot spots. Initial fire investigation confirmed that the fire was started deliberately.”
A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: “We were called to the scene of a fire at a restaurant on East Street, Bedminster, on December 20. Customers were evacuated and the initial findings believe the fire was started deliberately.
“Thankfully, nobody was injured in the incident, and an investigation has been launched. CCTV and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out, and crime scene investigators have attended the scene. We remain in contact with the owner of the restaurant who is being supported at this time.
“The restaurant was busy at the time of the incident, and we are appealing to any potential witnesses or customers with information which could assist our enquiries to come forward. Call us on 101 quoting reference 5225357482 or complete our online appeals form.”
The team, who are also behind other Indian restaurants in the city (Nutmeg, Nadu, Kal Dosa and Nutmeg Street Kitchen) said at the time: “Last night, we were forced to close unexpectedly after a fire – on one of the busiest nights of the year. Thankfully, everyone is safe.”