A POPULAR pub has revealed its re-opening date after a devastating fire ripped through the building in June.
On Tuesday, June 21 a massive fire broke out in the Bluebell Inn in Malvern and left customers fleeing the pub as smoke poured from the roof.
Construction work started at the pub after the fire forced the owners to close.
Andy Spencer, general manager, revealed that the renovations have raked up a "six-digit bill" and said the team is hoping to reopen its doors on Friday, August 26.
The renovations are focusing on the outside of the building to begin with and the pub is set to have a new roof.
READ MORE: Bluebell Inn in Malvern catches fire
Andy Spencer said: "We're in the full swing of things."
Towards the end of the month, the builders will start work on the inside of the pub but Mr Spencer says the pub will retain the same character and charm with a new contemporary feel.
Regular customers may notice new toilets and an extended patio when the pub aims to re-open.
Mr Spencer said: "We're doing a bespoke refurbishment, we are retaining the character of the listed part of the building, but we're jazzing it up and making it more contemporary.
"The toilets are being ripped out and we're extending the patio."
Mr Spencer says the local community has been incredible and the team is really grateful for the support.
"We're really grateful for the support from people and any updates will be put on our Facebook page. But we're working towards our provisional opening date at the moment.
The staff say they haven't let the fire, which was caused by a broken bottle in a flowerbed igniting a hedge and spreading to the building, get their spirits down and are excited to re-open once the renovation has been completed.
Mr Spencer who lives in the pub with his partner Tony Aspley said: "We had to leave the site for two days, luckily our private accommodation is above the listed part, which only has minor water and smoke damage.
"It was a devastating fire, but it's not going to get our spirits down.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel