Flood damage has forced the temporary closure of an American-style diner.

But the boss of the Shake Lounge has vowed to re-open as soon as possible.

Flooding from the flat about the premises on Marina Road, Douglas, has caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to equipment and stock, as well as extensive damage to the rented property itself.

Shake Lounge owner Timothy Brogan said he felt ’sick to the stomach’, having built up the business and a loyal customer following over the past three years.

He stressed: ’This has been devastating news for us. Unfortunately Shake Lounge will be closed now for some time. But we are not closing for good. We will be back open.’

Mr Brogan said the flood had ’wiped out’ the kitchen and equipment, and destroyed the ceilings, seating and flooring.

The Create Your Shakes Ltd boss said: ’I have spent three years building the business, working seven days a week.

’It’s amazing how it can be destroyed in one foul swoop and we understand the longer we are closed the harder it will be on our customers.

’Our equipment, ceilings, seating and flooring have all suffered a lot of damage and as it is water damage we need to make sure all is safe before we reopen.

He added: ’We are insured and we hope that we can work with our insurance company and landlord to re-open as soon as possible.

’We are trying our hardest to get the word out that we will be ’re-opening but we are unsure of a time scale as of yet. It’s in the hands of our insurers and the landlord.’