A group of young women try and peer through the windows of a trendy-looking establishment as one man holds a ladder while his work-mate polishes the sign.

It was no surprise 92 Bar Brasserie in Rickmansworth High Street was attracting attention from curious passers by because it had a famous co-owner – former Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley.

These pictures were taken by a Watford Observer photographer on November 3, 1989 but almost exactly two years later the restaurant was making headlines again, but for very different reasons.

The ladder is moved into position as onlookers try and see what's going on insideThe ladder is moved into position as onlookers try and see what's going on inside (Image: Watford Observer)

In November 1991, this newspaper was reporting on a serious fire at the premises which caused more than £100,000 worth a damage.

The restaurant caused quite a stir when it opened because of its famous co-ownerThe restaurant caused quite a stir when it opened because of its famous co-owner (Image: Watford Observer)

Fire engines from Rickmansworth and Watford attended the scene after the blaze began in a storeroom on the first floor, but 20 per cent of that level and the roof were badly burnt.

The man holding the ladder is distracted by someone leaving the restaurantThe man holding the ladder is distracted by someone leaving the restaurant (Image: Watford Observer)

As a result, the bar and brasserie was expected to be closed for at least six weeks for repairs.