Firefighters from every fire station across Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading rushed to reports of a major fire at the Bull Pub in Swallowfield Road, Arborfield, at around 4am on Tuesday morning.
A total of six fire engines and around 30 firefighters battled for nearly two hours to bring the flames under control at the pub.
The new barn outside the beer garden has been burnt to the ground during the fire and the rest of the remaining barn will be pulled down. There is also thought to be damage to be extensive damage to the fixtures and fittings in the beer garden. Roads around the pub have been closed by Thames Valley Police.
In a statement on their social media platform, Thames Valley Police said: “Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, along with officers from Bracknell and Wokingham ICR, are currently on scene at a large fire at The Bull Public House at Arborfield Cross. Road closures are currently in place for the safety of the public and to enable a safe working environment for crews on scene. Please avoid the area.”
Today a family-run gastro pub, The Bull Inn is known to date back to the 18th century, and The Arborfield Village History Society says it was once visited by Queen Victoria. She reputedly stopped to bait her horses, as she drove from Windsor to Stratfield Saye to pay a visit to the Duke of Wellington. Its history is vast, but it’s original structure dates back as early as the 1600s.
The original stable building alongside it on the Swallowfield Road, thought to be the main site of the fire, had deteriorated badly by 2004, when it was partly blown down in a gale. It was declared unsafe and was demolished by Wokingham District Council, with a promise from the owners that it would later be rebuilt which did happen.
Photos in gallery by Paul King
Fortunately looks as though the pub itself is ok! Shame about that beautiful old barn. Glad everyone ok.
The barns were listed buildings.
Paul Browne
Glad the pubs ok
Nicole Hill
Ricky Davies
Boston Norman