REVAMPED PUB IN BLAZE DRAMA
APOPULAR Aberystwyth pub which had been newly renovated has been damaged in a fire. Firefighters were called to Y Ffarmers Arms pub in Llanfihangely-Creuddyn near Aberystwyth early yesterday.
The pub is frequently cited as one of the best in Wales and is featured in the Michelin Guide, Good Pub Guide and AA Restaurant and Pub Guide, as well as WalesOnline’s own top 50 pubs.
A spokeswoman for Mid and West Fire and Rescue said four pumps from Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Tregaron tackled the blaze after receiving a call at 7.26am.
Crews remained at the scene with an aerial appliance at 1pm, damping down the property.
It is thought the fire started in the roof space of the two-storey building.
Pictures from the scene show extensive damage in the roof.
Llanfihangel resident Mo Bennett said part of the roof had collapsed in the country dining pub.
She said: “The right-hand side is caved in. Nobody has been injured but the fire crew were still there at about 11am.”
Ms Bennett described the pub as an important part of the small village.
She said: “All we have in the village is the church, the pub and the school, so it’s at the heart of the community.
“It was completely refurbished and it’s just been taken over by a young couple, who will be devastated.
“Nobody was living on the premises.”
Fellow resident Tanya Friswell said: “It’s a fabulous pub, people travel here from far and wide.
“The community will pull together to support the owners – they only bought it last July.”
Posting on Facebook, Meirion Davies said: “Very sad day for the owners and residents of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn as the local pub Y Ffarmers had a massive fire this morning.
“Our thoughts are with you as this was the main community centre for the village.”
A description on Y Ffarmers’ website reads: “Ffarmers is a country dining pub in the pretty village of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, just seven miles from Aberystwyth.
“The pub has recently been taken over by Caitlin and Lewis. We have made some subtle changes, but the welcome is as warm as ever.”