The cafe at East Maitland was closed for eight weeks for ­renovation and the High Street Takeaway and Vinnies op-shop remain shut.

“The street sustained a lot of damage,” deli owner Laney Robson said.

“Because [High Street] was so damaged some people don’t realise I have reopened.”

The shop, which regulars sometimes call Slices, had to undergo a complete refurbishment.

Passing cars had sent waves of water through the front doors half a metre up the walls and display cases.

“It was surreal, I had fresh batches of scones in the oven with no thought this would ever happen,” Ms Robson said.

Insurance covered items like the damaged fridges, but Ms Robson had to dig deep to complete the renovation.

Loss of trade was not covered.

“In the first couple of days I was terrified – I didn’t sleep – I didn’t think we would reopen,” she said.

The deli team rallied, ­however, and took the opportunity to freshen up the decor.

“We kept all the good stuff we do [and] it’s just a nicer environment now,” she said.

“I’m out of pocket substan­tially [but] the feedback so far has been wonderful.”