Blue Bell Inn Emsworth earmarks early September re-opening date as work moving in 'right direction' after fire
Landlord thanks community for their support in the aftermath of the fire
A Hampshire pub is hoping to reopen next month after a fire forced it to close in July.
Giles Babb, the landlord of the Blue Bell Inn on South Street, Emsworth, was awoken in the early hours of Saturday, July 11 to find that a fire from a neighbouring property was spreading to his pub. Firefighters were on the scene quickly to put it out but not before it had damaged the roof of the pub’s kitchen.
While it has been closed since that day, the pub has sent out a promising update that it is “hoping” to open in early September.
An update sent out to customers on Monday, July 10 said: “We’re working incredibly hard behind the scenes to get our lovely pub put back together and ready to welcome you all through the doors again. There’s still plenty to do, but things are moving in the right direction and we’re hoping for an early September reopening.
“In the meantime, we continue to be completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity being shown to us by our wonderful customers, friends and fellow businesses in and around Emsworth.”
A few days after the fire it was confirmed on social media that the pub would be closed for around six to eight weeks during what would usually be its busiest time of the year. The pub has thanked the local community and its customers for their support during a difficult time.
The update continued: “To everyone who has sent us a message, stopped us in the street, offered help, supported our team or simply told us you can’t wait for the doors to reopen — thank you. It genuinely means more to us than you know.
“The Blue Bell will be back. And hopefully, early September, we’ll finally be raising a glass together again.”