Adrian and Romy Frape after the burglary

A COUPLE who travelled more than 5,000 miles from the United States to start a cocktail bar in Old Street have been left devastated after its vintage decorations were stolen while they prepared to open.

Adrian and Romy Frape found the building – known as The Mad Hatter – ransacked on Friday with £3,000 worth of antiques gone.

“I was absolutely devastated,” said Mr Frape, who said he felt ready to abandon the business.

“I just thought if Islington doesn’t want me, I don’t want them. If this is going to be normal for how business is run, I don’t want any part of it.”

The couple said that their chairs had been thrown around, stools had been chucked down the stairs, and glasses were smashed.

Mr Frape outside the building which will be known as The Mad Hatter

Mrs Frape said: “They took everything. All our tools, all our glassware. They took shot glasses, drills, food dehydrators.”

The thieves had also made off with vintage hand mirrors that Mrs Frape had hung in the bathrooms, and framed pictures that had previously adorned the walls.

“Why would people steal hand mirrors off the walls,” said Mrs Frape. “I mean what are they going to do with those?”

The couple suspect that the perpetrators drank and took drugs at the premises before making off with the antiques.

Mr Frape said: “We found burnt tin foil wrappers, and a lighter. They stole all the wine and the tequila.”

They also found a mirror with traces of white powder on it, which they say a police forensics team later tested.

A new sign for the bar

The couple left their Californian home in January to start renovations on the Old Street bar.

“We got to London the week of January 15th and we’ve been working on this non-stop since then,” Mr Frape said.

They toured the Isle of Wight collecting glasses and mirrors for the bar to fit the 1920s Prohibition era theme they were aiming for.

Between them, the couple have had over 60 years experience working in hospitality but the Mad Hatter will be their first venture as owners.

The couple told the Tribune they were disappointed with the police reaction.

A collection of vintage hand mirrors were ripped off the wall

“The people that we talk to on the phone are really nice and very sympathetic and they’re talking the talk, but they’re not walking the walk,” Mrs Frape said.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said: “Police are investigating a burglary at a business premise on Old Street, Islington.

“The premise was broken into sometime overnight from 11 April and 12 April, when the suspect(s) forced entry to the premise and stole a number of items from inside.

“Officers have carried out a number of enquiries at the scene including forensics and speaking with witnesses and further enquiries are ongoing.

“No arrests have been made and the investigation continues.”

Mr and Mrs Frape said they are still hoping that they will be able to restore the bar in time for its planned opening on May 1.