Those looking forward to lunch at Chez Philippe Bistro yesterday were left hungry, but unhurt, when a fire broke out in the kitchen of the popular Gzira restaurant.

Owner Philippe Fabre said a chip pan caught fire at around 1 p.m. when the restaurant was preparing to serve a full house, having been completely booked up for lunch.

Around 20 persons were in the restaurant, which is also known as Bon Pain, at the time of the incident.

A fire blanket thrown onto the flames was not enough to put them out and smoke started spreading into the restaurant from the kitchen.

A patron, Michael Grech, who was already at table, said thick, black smoke engulfed the restaurant, which was immediately evacuated.

The owners and patrons called the fire brigade several times, and two fire engines arrived at The Strand around 20 minutes later.

No one was hurt, but the restaurant's kitchen was damaged and the eating area was covered in a layer of soot.

Nevertheless, Mr Fabre said it would be "business as usual" tomorrow.