Drone pics show things are looking up for blaze-hit pub
A historic pub is set to reopen next month, more than a year after a fire tore through its thatched roof, wrecking the building.
The Shambles Hotel, Lutterworth, has risen from the ashes and new drone pictures from photographer Andrew Carpenter show contractors
the outside walls and the window sills under the new thatch.
Landlords George and Denise East will be returning to the pub which was also their home - and their daughter, Stacey Castle, who used to run it with them, said they were excited about it opening again on Saturday, April 6.
She said: “The pub’s looking really nice and they’re now starting on the walls and windows.
“Hopefully I’ll get to have a look inside next week. The contactors are due to hand the pub back to the brewery on March 28 so then my mum and George will be able to get back in and start getting ready. “So that’s exciting.
“And it will be great to get the pub running again.”
The pub, the oldest timber-frame building in the town, caught fire at about 12.30pm on Monday, Februpainting ary 13 last year. A passer-by rushed in to warn staff that there was smoke coming from the roof.
Customers were ushered outside to safety by staff and George and Denise fled with only the clothes they were wearing, leaving all their other possessions behind.
The community rallied round with all kinds of donations and set up a fundraising webpage that raised more than £4,000.
Nearby pub The Greyhound, put them up until they could be found new accommodation.
The building, owned by Marston’s brewery, dates back to the 16th century, originally serving as a butcher’s shop and slaughterhouse.
It first became a pub in 1791, became a butcher’s again in 1840 and then opened as The Shambles Hotel in 1982.