Disaster for beloved Lolly Bug

By Peter Holmes

Emergency services on the scene at The Lolly Bug. South Bowenfels RFS/Facebook.

"Everything is gone."

This was the message posted by Little Hartley business The Lolly Bug on social media on Saturday.

The famous shop, and its bright yellow Beetle mascot, was believed to have been struck by lightning shortly after 11pm on Friday night.

Investigations into the cause continue.

The Lolly Bug car. Lolly Bug/Facebook.

"Late night callout to a structural fire at the beloved Lolly Bug in Hartley last night," wrote South Bowenfels RFS on Facebook.

"Significant damage was done to the building, a good job was done by RFS crews and Fire and Rescue to save the building from collapse."

" ... devastated to see an iconic local business damaged like this."

The Lolly Bug's homepage

For those heading to and from Sydney, The Lolly Bug in Little Hartley was an Aladdin's Cave of temptations - local and international sweets, treats, chips, sauces and chocolates.

It was a place where childhood memories were made, and nostalgia rekindled.

An image of The Lolly Bug after the fire. LollyBug/Facebook.

The owners posted on social media: "Absolutely gutted last night to receive a call to say The Lolly Bug was on fire. It is not only a family business, it is our heart and soul, our passion.

"Everything is gone.

"We will be back, but it will take time. Thanks so much for the wonderful messages of support, they mean a lot to us.

"It appears it was a lightning strike, but yet to be confirmed."