Owners vow to return Stokehouse to former glory after the iconic St Kilda restaurant was destroyed by fire THE owners of iconic St Kilda restaurant the Stokehouse have vowed to rebuild it after it was destroyed by a fire, sending shock waves through the community. Frank and Sharon Van Haandel, who would have celebrated 25 years of running the popular beachside landmark this year, said they were "totally devastated." But in what would be relief for the thousands of Melburnians and visitors alike who flock to the venue each week, the Van Haandels say they will do everything they can to bring it back to its former glory. EDDIE McGUIRE: The Stoke will rise again for us About 200 diners were evacuated from the restaurant after the lights flickered on and off and a staff member reported a fire in the kitchen about 11pm on Friday. No-one was injured in the inferno. Fire investigators told the Herald Sun fat in the flue, combined with this week's scorching temperatures is believed to have ignited the blaze. Little was left of the 110-year-old historic building on Saturday, as it continued to smoulder, before an excavator demolished the charred structure that remained. A couple who had spent nine months planning to wed at the venue on Saturday night, woke to the devastating news. In what would have been a nightmare for any bride and groom-to-be, Dave and Liz Kersley stayed calm and didn't consider postponing the wedding. The Williamstown newlyweds, who were hitched in the Royal Botanic Gardens on Saturday afternoon, lauded the efforts of Stokehouse staff who organised their wedding under extreme circumstances at their sister restaurant Fatto Bar & Cantina on the Southbank. "I can't speak highly enough for what they've done, especially while dealing with the tragedy of the iconic and beautiful venue being burnt down," Mr Kersley said. It's hard to overcome but they've managed to put that aside for the moment and deal with their customers and their clients. Liz and Dave Kersley married even though their wedding venue - the Stokehouse - burned to the ground. Picture: Nathan Dyer. Liz Kersley, 31, said it didn't matter where the she got married, as long as it was in the presence of family and friends. "Everything's been perfect," Mrs Kersley said. All our friends and family are here and that's really all that matters. It's the people, not the venue. We've been looked after really well from the great crew at the Stokehouse. With its relaxed beach shack atmosphere and fine dining options, the Stokehouse's incredibly chic beachside setting has been attracting people for decades. Hundreds of people, from celebrities to food lovers, were in shock and expressed their sadness at the loss of a Melbourne icon on waking to the news. Port Phillip Mayor Amanda Stevens said it was "a really sad sight to see." "It's quite an emotional thing to come and see it," Cr Stevens said. Simon Plant THE flames that consumed Stokehouse restaurant in the early hours of Saturday not only destroyed a historic St Kilda landmark, they also extinguished Melbourne's favourite bayside party hub. Stokehouse - a beach shack with bling - drew politicians, sports stars, models, musicians and media types. It was a hugely popular choice for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays and the No. 1 go-to place for long, long lunches. With its stunning views, capable service and confident food, Stokehouse was a restaurant you wanted to be in. Its sophisticated yet laid-back feel chimed with Melburnians from the moment it opened on the site of an Edwardian tearoom in the 1990s. And its raffish appeal had a lot to do with the personality of its proprietors, Frank and Sharon Van Haandel. They have an affinity with Melbourne. They understand the way we congregate and are finely attuned to the city's changing social currents. So when the Van Haandels decided to update Stokehouse a few years back, trimming the timber with chic brass detailing, they didn't go overboard. The refreshed site still struck a perfect balance between what Frank liked to call "relaxed beachside glamour" and "exceptional hospitality." My last visit to Stokehouse was almost exactly 12 months ago and what struck me, on arrival, was just how utterly Australian it was. From our restaurant table overlooking the beach, we could see frisbees and furled umbrellas, swimmers and skateboarders - a carnival of colour - while waiters in long aprons scooted past us with big white plates of seafood and pasta. Stokehouse was never about advanced Australian fare. Executive chef Anthony Musarra and his team devised dishes that sang with the seasons and simply made people happy. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Stokehouse always seemed to be buzzing and its top deck, shaded by stylish sail cloths, was THE place to be. Especially on a summer's night when the music played, the palms rustled and the corks popped. Three months ago, Frank and Sharon won the tender to operate the coveted Bennelong restaurant site at Sydney Opera House. This fire nightmare is bound to complicate their big push up north. But they're resilient, the Van Haandels. Frank has 30 years' experience in the trade and it's hard to imagine he won't want to rebuild a place Melbourne took to its heart. The party's over? Let's hope not.