Lutterworth: Family excited to reopen thatched pub after fire

Restoration work continues at The Shambles pub

A 16th Century thatched roof pub in Leicestershire that was badly damaged in a fire a year ago could soon be welcoming back customers.

The Shambles, in Bell Street, Lutterworth, became engulfed in flames on 13 February 2023.

George and Denise East, who manage the Grade II-listed pub, hope to reopen it in April.

Mrs East's daughter Stacey Castle said she could not believe how quickly the pub had been rebuilt.

The thatched roof was destroyed in the fire

Mrs Castle managed the premises with her mother and stepfather until November 2021 and described the day of the fire as "horrific".

"It was devastating on the day in question, seeing it ablaze," she said.

"It was just heartbreaking for everybody in the town."

An appeal to support Mr and Mrs East, who have run the pub for more than 14 years, raised more than £4,000.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze started in a chimney stack and then spread to the thatched roof.

The building was first used as a pub in 1791 and was heavily restored in the 20th Century.

Mrs Castle said it was "an iconic landmark in the town".

"It's great to see the pub being rebuilt in great detail. They're going to have a completely new interior," she said.

"We're excited for a new start for the pub after the year it's had."

Although no reopening date has been confirmed, Mrs Castle said they hoped to reopen by mid-April, "if everything goes to plan".

A spokesperson for the pub's owner, Marstons, said: "We are delighted with the speed the restoration has come together and the new thatched roof looks fantastic.

"We are excited to be reopening the Shambles for our customers in Lutterworth, it is such a well-known and well-loved pub in the town."