North London Café Burnt: Cheerio Juice Bar Fire Near Kilburn Station

Key Points

• A fire broke out at Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery near Kilburn railway station on Kilburn High Road, leaving the café completely burnt out and destroyed.
• The incident occurred just before 1.58am on Monday, February 2, 2026.
• Photographs circulating online show the café cordoned off with hazard tape following the blaze.
• 25 firefighters from four stations—West Hampstead, Willesden, Paddington, and North Kensington—along with eight fire engines, attended the scene.
• Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 3.23am, approximately one hour and 25 minutes after arrival.
• The London Fire Brigade (LFB) believes the fire was accidental, likely caused by combustible items placed too close to a chiller unit.
• No information has been released regarding injuries, evacuations, or impacts on train services at Kilburn High Road station.
• The café is situated near a busy train station, raising concerns about public safety in a high-traffic area.
• The story was first reported by MyLondon, with photographs highlighting the extent of the damage.

Kilburn, North London – (North London News) – February 3, 2026
A popular café near a bustling North London train station has been left in ruins after a early morning fire gutted the premises, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Photographs show Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery on Kilburn High Road completely burnt out and secured with hazard tape, marking a devastating start to the week for the local business. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed 25 firefighters and eight engines to tackle the blaze, which they believe started accidentally near a chiller unit.

What Caused the Fire at Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery?

The fire erupted just before 1.58am on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery, located in close proximity to Kilburn railway station—a key transport hub on Kilburn High Road in North West London. According to reports from MyLondon, the blaze was believed to be accidental, with combustible items placed too close to a chiller unit cited as the likely trigger. The LFB, as referenced in the MyLondon coverage, has preliminarily attributed the cause to this proximity of materials to the refrigeration equipment, though a full investigation remains ongoing. No further details on the specific combustible items—such as packaging, cleaning supplies, or stock—have been disclosed at this stage.​

Firefighters from West Hampstead, Willesden, Paddington, and North Kensington fire stations raced to the scene shortly after the alert, arriving to find the café engulfed. The rapid deployment of eight fire engines underscored the intensity of the flames, particularly given the location near a busy commuter route.

How Did Firefighters Respond to the Kilburn Blaze?

A total of 25 firefighters worked tirelessly to subdue the fire, bringing it under control by 3.23am—roughly one hour and 25 minutes after their initial call-out. As detailed in the MyLondon report, the multi-station response highlighted the scale of the incident, with crews from four nearby LFB stations converging on Kilburn High Road.

The operation involved containing the fire to prevent spread to adjacent buildings or the nearby railway infrastructure, a critical concern in such a densely populated urban area.

Photographs shared alongside the MyLondon article depict the aftermath: the café’s interior charred beyond recognition, windows shattered, and the entire frontage cordoned off with yellow hazard tape fluttering in the morning light. These images, captured post-extinguishment, illustrate the ferocity of the fire and the effectiveness of the containment efforts, as no reports indicate damage to neighbouring properties or disruptions to train services.

What Is the Extent of Damage to the Café?

Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery now stands as a burnt-out shell, with visuals confirming total destruction of the interior. The MyLondon coverage emphasises that the café was “left burnt out and destroyed,” a stark assessment supported by the on-scene photographs showing blackened debris, collapsed structures, and safety barriers erected by authorities. Situated on Kilburn High Road, a vibrant commercial strip frequented by commuters and locals, the loss represents a significant blow to the area’s small business community.

No statements from the café’s owners or staff have been reported in available coverage, leaving questions about rebuilding plans unanswered. The proximity to Kilburn railway station—a busy Overground and National Rail stop—amplifies the story’s local impact, as the café likely served as a convenient stop for morning coffees and baked goods.

Were There Any Injuries or Evacuations?

Available reports make no mention of injuries, fatalities, or required evacuations during the incident. The early hour—just before 2am—likely minimised public exposure, with the fire confined to the commercial premises rather than residential areas nearby. MyLondon’s account focuses solely on the emergency response and cause, without referencing casualties, suggesting none occurred or were severe enough to warrant public note.

The LFB’s statement, as quoted via MyLondon, centres on the operational response rather than human impact: firefighters from specified stations controlled the blaze efficiently. This absence of injury details aligns with standard protocol for non-fatal fires, where emphasis shifts to prevention lessons.

Why Was the Fire Near a Busy Train Station a Concern?

Kilburn High Road’s position as a thoroughfare near Kilburn railway station places it in a high-risk zone for public safety incidents. The station handles frequent services, including London Overground lines connecting to central London, making the area a hive of activity during peak hours. A fire here could have escalated rapidly, potentially affecting platforms, signalling, or waiting passengers had it not been contained swiftly.

As per the MyLondon report, the incident’s timing in the pre-dawn hours averted commuter chaos, but it serves as a reminder of vulnerabilities in transport-adjacent businesses. Local residents and traders may now scrutinise fire safety compliance in similar establishments, especially those relying on electrical appliances like chiller units.

What Has the London Fire Brigade Said About the Incident?

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) provided key insights into the probable cause, stating it was “believed that the cause of the fire was accidental, likely caused by combustible items being placed too close to a chiller unit.” This attribution appears directly in MyLondon’s coverage, underscoring a common hazard in food service environments where stock storage intersects with refrigeration.

LFB crews from West Hampstead, Willesden, Paddington, and North Kensington exemplified coordinated response, with the fire under control by 3.23am. No further LFB comments on prevention or inspections have surfaced, but such incidents often prompt safety advisories on equipment spacing.

How Does This Affect the Local Community in Kilburn?

Kilburn’s diverse community, spanning North London boroughs like Brent and Camden, relies on High Road’s array of independent shops and eateries. Cheerio Juice Bar & Bakery’s demise disrupts this ecosystem, particularly for health-conscious patrons drawn to its juice and bakery offerings. With the site cordoned off, reopening timelines remain uncertain, potentially shifting footfall to competitors.

The story resonates amid broader concerns over small business resilience post-pandemic and amid rising operational costs. Photographs of the hazard tape evoke community sympathy, as shared via MyLondon’s social media prompts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

What Lessons Can Be Learned from This Fire?

This incident highlights refrigeration-related risks in catering settings, where chiller units—vital for perishables—can ignite if cluttered with flammable materials. LFB’s assessment points to storage practices as pivotal, urging proprietors to maintain clear zones around appliances. In a busy locale like Kilburn High Road, rigorous fire drills and audits could mitigate future threats.

As North London’s commercial heart beats on, the burnt-out café stands as a cautionary tale. MyLondon’s prompt coverage ensures the event’s details reach residents, fostering awareness without speculation.

Background on Kilburn High Road and Fire Safety

Kilburn High Road thrives as a multicultural artery, blending independent outlets with transport links. Past incidents in the area, though not detailed here, underscore recurring urban fire challenges. The LFB’s role remains central, with statistics showing accidental fires comprise a significant portion of call-outs.