The community has rallied together to raise funds for a newly opened space offering coffee and pizza alongside vinyl records, which has suffered a devastating fire.
Doubles, located at Avonside, had only been open for five weeks before the fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday 14th September. The blaze caused extensive damage to equipment, décor and stock, leaving the cafe unable to trade.
Owners Al Richards and his business partner, Matt Baila, spent several months creating the unique space, which features a DJ booth and provides a cool setting for visitors to enjoy coffee, pizza and browse through records.
“You can’t explain how it feels to have something you’ve built for months and months, putting every single penny you have into it, completely gone in a matter of hours,” said Al.
The duo has been deeply moved by the overwhelming support from the community, who have offered their time and donations to help rebuild the space. So far, £3,425 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
Love and support
“Our hearts are filled with the outpouring of love and support we’ve received, and that’s what’s keeping us going,” said Al. “We’ve already built up an amazing community here, and our customers have been incredible since we started. Things were going really well, so we feel like we’ve got the support to carry on.”
The team is looking for further assistance as they begin the process of rebuilding. “We’ll be seeking help, so if anyone can offer their support or donate to the GoFundMe, it will enable us to keep our staff and work towards reopening.”
To offer help, message their Instagram page @doubles_uk or to donate, visit the GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-doubles-melksham-to-reopen-after-devastating-fire
