Landlord returns from family holiday to find his pub ablaze

Unicorn landlord Lorenzo Carnevale had just touched down from a family holiday in the United States when he learned his pub was on fire.

Firefighters were called to the 17th century building in St Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury, at 3.45am on Saturday, after a blaze broke out in the kitchen.

The pub was closed throughout the day, but is now open again.

Mr Carnevale, 50, told the Gazette: “We had just landed a few hours earlier and then I found out through social media that there had been a fire at the pub.

“Obviously, it was quite a shock to see this.

“I was very concerned for my uncle, who was looking after the pub for us while we were away.

“He was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, but is all right and has been working again.”

The fire is believed to have been started by a faulty electrical appliance, possibly a fridge.

It has gutted the kitchen, putting it out of use.

Smoke filled St Dunstan’s Street until firefighters were able to dampen the hotspots.

Firefighters remained at the Unicorn until 7am.

Mr Carnevale, who had been on a family holiday in New York with his wife Emma and their two children, said: “We are working as hard as we can getting the kitchen fixed.

“It might be out of operation for a month, but people can bring their own food in.

“I have to say that the fire brigade were absolutely brilliant, they did a sterling job.

“Our regular customers have also been asking what they can do and we’ve been offered lots of help.

“We were shut Saturday and are now leaving everything to our insurance people.”

Picture: Wayne Mccabe Unicorn landlord Lorenzo Carnevale and the damage caused by the fire that broke out at the weekend

The fire-damaged kitchen at the Unicorn which is thought to have started by a faulty fridge