A Kings Langley bistro owner said he is thankful nobody was hurt after a car smashed into his eatery while customers were inside.

Witnesses described hearing a “massive noise” as they saw a black Mazda CX-3 plough into Matilda’s in High Street at around 6.55pm on Wednesday (August 14).

Herts Police said the car and a grey Nissan Qashqai had been involved in a “near miss” causing the Mazda to swerve out of the way, hitting the café.

A Mazda smashed into the bistro's shopfront on Wednesday evening.A Mazda smashed into the bistro's shopfront on Wednesday evening. (Image: Andy Putman) Owner Sam Cowham, who named the eatery after his four-year-old daughter, described how he was inside with customers at the time.

“We basically saw it all happen as the car was over the crossroads”, Sam explained. “There was another car turning right to go down The Nap and the other car was coming across the junction.

“They seemed to clip each other, it swerved and then there was a loud noise as it hit the bay window.

Matilda's owner Sam Cowham revealed he was inside the bistro with customers at the time.Matilda's owner Sam Cowham revealed he was inside the bistro with customers at the time. (Image: Sam Cowham) “The main thing is that thankfully no-one was hurt, to be honest," he added.

"There could have been people walking past with a buggy or pram instead and then it would have been a completely different story.”

The bistro will remain closed until further notice as works are ongoing to replace the window and check the structure of the front façade is still safe.The crash on Wednesday evening.The crash on Wednesday evening. (Image: Andy Putman) The incident comes just months after the eatery opened in the high street on June 1 to rave reviews, but the owner insisted they will be “fine” despite the damage and he hopes to have an update next week.

In a post online to his customers, Sam said: “Sorry to the bookings we've had to cancel and thanks to everyone who has passed to check in, offered support and advice - we have an amazing community in KL and we can’t wait to welcome you all back soon.”

The crash on Wednesday evening.The crash on Wednesday evening. (Image: Andy Putman) Kings Langley residents praised the owner for his “resilience” they posted dozens of messages of support: “It must have been heart-breaking after everything you have put in. Well done for your resilience.”

One said they would be “raring to come back as soon as you’re open,” while another commented: “So sorry to hear about the incident. How scary for everyone involved. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Hope you're back in business soon!”