Owner's frustration two years after hotel fire

The owner of the Angel Inn has given an update on the building's future on the two-year anniversary of the fire

The owner of a 400-year-old hotel in Midhurst which was destroyed in a fire has spoken of his frustration at not being able to clear the site.

The Angel Inn and neighbouring Olive and Vine restaurant in the West Sussex town have remained largely untouched since the blaze two years ago on 16 March, 2023.

Businesses said the impact of the fire has reduced footfall in the town and they have been encouraging shoppers to come back.

David Whitney, owner of the Angel Inn hotel, said the lack of progress was "frustrating" but he hoped to have his insurance claim finished in the next three months.

Firefighters tackling the fire on 16 March, 2023

"We've been in the same situation [as our neighbours], it's very frustrating that we can't get on with making the site more respectable," he told BBC Radio Sussex.

"We just like to hope we can get on with it as soon as the funds come through but we're not quite sure whether that's going to happen or not yet. There's a few obstacles in the way unfortunately.

"From my point of view, it's embarrassing because although we weren't to blame for the fire, the people I know have suffered from this. I'd like to get it back to the status quo as soon as possible. I have been around Midhurst for most of my life."

Mr Whitney said the hotel has been working closely with the planning authority, South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), and Historic England.

North Street was closed for three months following the fire and the pavement on one side of the road is fenced off, which businesses said reduced people going to the shops on that side.

"Nothing has changed, it still looks the same as it did two years ago," said Laura Jandec, co-owner of The Upholsterer.

"It's been difficult, just after the fire it was dreadful and while things have picked up, Midhurst doesn't have the same feeling as before.

"There's an air of sadness. Footfall is much lower than it ever was before."

'People haven't come back'

Alan Lambert, landlord of The Bricklayers Arms pub, said footfall in the town had "dropped quite dramatically".

"People stopped coming here and they haven't come back," he added.

Geoff Allnutt, owner of J E Allnutt & Son watchmakers, said the site was a "real scar on the landscape of the town", but said the town had "bounced back" since the blaze.

"We fought really hard to make sure it bounced back with signs in the car parks and all our social media," he said. "We've done pretty well considering."

Geoff Allnutt who owns J E Allnutt & Son watchmakers

SDNPA said there was an application to demolish the listed Olive and Vine restaurant building next door to the Angel but retain the front façade.

Historic England said combined efforts from both authorities were helping to ensure "a swift resolution for the site".

A spokesperson added that the organisation would be happy to provide technical and structural engineering advice, as well as advice on future plans to reconstruct the building.