Watergate Bay: Fortnum & Mason beach huts damaged in storm

The huts at Watergate Bay were damaged in high tide

A series of private beach huts in Cornwall that opened only last week have been damaged during a storm.

The huts were installed by luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, with guests offered the "ultimate summer experience" of an "al fresco feast to remember".

The retailer said the "unexpected storm" at high tide caused "significant but cosmetic damage".

It said it was making repairs.

The huts offer specially-designed menus for up to four guests and cost between £195 to £395 for a two-and-half-hour slot.

The huts sustained "significant but cosmetic damage"

Fortnum & Mason said the storm damaged the platform surrounding the huts.

"Due to an unexpected storm during high tide yesterday evening at Watergate Bay, the platform surrounding our Fortnum's Beach Huts has sustained significant but cosmetic damage," it said.

"Before launch, all health and safety measures were approved by an accredited body that has since ensured that the base platform remains structurally intact.

The huts cost between £195 to £395 for a two-and-half-hour slot

"We are now completing additional checks on the structure and working to correct the cosmetic damage before re-opening to the public as soon as we can."

In promotional material, the retailer says the huts are "inspired by the nostalgia of summers spent on the British coast".

It said they would reopen "hopefully when there is a bit more sunshine".

Chef Emily Scott, who created the picnic menu, was contacted for comment.

The huts have been "inspired by the nostalgia of summers spent on the British coast", Fortnum & Mason said