Fire-hit Lutterworth landmark pub The Shambles to re-open this spring

A pub that burst into flames a year ago is expected to re-open in the spring. Dozens of firefighters fought the blaze in the thatched roof of The Shambles in the centre of Lutterworth on Monday, February 13 last year, after smoke began filling the pub, forcing guests to evacuate.

The pub, which is the oldest timber-frame building in the town, has been rebuilt and the scaffolding is now beginning to come down. More interior work needs to take place but Stacey Castle, who ran the pub with her sister, Tina, and her parents George and Denise East, said it was hoped it would re-open to guests by about mid-April.

She said: “It’s been a hard year and it’s been heart-breaking to pass by every day and see the state it’s been in. But they’re rebuilding it and interior work is going on.

“It’s a grade II listed building and a landmark in Lutterworth. It was a family-run pub and all the staff were like family, too, and they’ve had to go on to pastures new.

“We’re excited for a new start and it’s good to see how well it’s coming on. The brewery, Marston’s, is arranging all the work and we don’t have an exact date for when it can open again but we’re told it will be in the spring – probably mid-April.”

After the fire, Stacey’s mum and step-dad, who had lived above the pub and lost everything in the blaze, had to be moved into emergency accommodation. There’s no new contract yet but they’re hoping to be able to move back in and get back to work.

The community rallied around to support George and Denise, with many people taking them cash and various donations, while their friend Nathan Green set up a fundraising website that raised about £4,000 for the couple.

A picture from the fire service showing the blaze on Monday, February 13 last year

The building 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.

Because of its listed status, Marston’s has had to rebuild it almost exactly as it was before the fire. Small changes, such as new lighting and signs on the outside of the pub, have been agreed by Harborough District Council.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had been accidental. It started in the chimney and spread to the thatched roof, which rapidly went up in flames at about 12.30pm.

The centre of the town was filled with smoke as the flames were fought by crews from eight fire pumps from all over Leicestershire.