Blue Bell Inn update as 'visible progress' made on Emsworth closed for over 10 weeks following a fire
‘We are doing everything we can to get The Blue Bell back open as soon as possible’
A pub which has been closed for over ten weeks following a fire has provided an update with “visible progress” made.
The Blue Bell has been closed since July 11 when a fire started in a neighbouring property and spread to the roof of the popular Emsworth pub’s kitchen roof. While an early September opening date was earmarked the repair work is still ongoing with progress expected this week.
The landlord, Giles Babb, whose family have run the pub for over 30 years, has provided an update with scaffolding set to be erected this week for the work to begin, however he did not want to commit to a re-opening date at this time.
Giles said: “We would love to be able to give everyone a date today, but after everything we have been through we want to make sure the information we give people is realistic. There are still things outside our control, particularly around the building work and the lead times for equipment.
“What I can promise is that we are doing everything we can to get The Blue Bell back open as soon as possible. It has been incredibly frustrating watching the summer pass us by with the doors closed.
“We miss the noise of the pub, the kitchen cooking, pulling a pint, the familiar faces at the bar and all the things that make The Blue Bell what it is.”
A post on social media stated “visible progress” would be seen this week with the next stages set to commence. This includes clearance and strip out work, scaffolding and further investigation of the kitchen roof. The damaged roof needs to be fully exposed so the extent of the damage can be assessed before rebuilding can take place.
The Landlord has thanked the pub’s customers and the community for their support during the closure.
Giles said: “The support we have received has been incredible. From customers and friends to our staff, suppliers and other businesses around Emsworth, people have constantly reminded us how much the pub means to them.
“Hospitality is about people. After more than ten weeks without being able to welcome people through our doors, we cannot wait to hear the pub full of conversation again, see familiar faces at the bar and start doing what we love.
“The Blue Bell has been through plenty over the years and it will come through this too. We have missed our customers enormously. Please don’t forget us. Keep following our updates, keep supporting the brilliant independent businesses around Emsworth and, when the doors finally reopen, we hope you will come back and help us fill the place again.
“There will be a very special pint waiting to be poured.”