Fire-hit Peak District pub undergoes major restoration work

Landlord Rick Ellison with staff and Simon Theakston, managing director of family brewer T&R Theakston Ltd. Picture by Glenn Ashley.

Staff at a popular Peak District pub which was ravaged by fire earlier this year are celebrating the completion of restoration work.

Eight members of staff and about 50 customers had to be evacuated from the Old Hall Hotel in Market Place, Hope, when fire broke out in the premises on Friday, April 10.

FROM THE TIME: Villagers express sadness after fire ravages much-loved Derbyshire hotel

Thankfully, nobody was injured in the blaze – but the kitchen and restaurant were all damaged and most of the roof was completely destroyed.

A new Welsh slate roof has been put on the building while the kitchen and restaurant have been refurbished.

Staff including landlord Rick Ellison turned out last week to mark the end of the revamp.

Mr Ellison said: “We were able to keep the pub open throughout the refurbishment and re-opened just 24 hours after the fire. Staff were amazing and came in at 8am on that day and got to work cleaning up the mess.

“Nine different fire brigades were on site at the time and did a great job putting out the blaze.

“I want to thank the staff and the fire brigade for their efforts in helping keep this beautiful coaching inn at the heart of the community.

“It was first opened as an inn in 1719 and thanks to their quick response will survive to see its 300th anniversary.

“I plan to have a party for the staff and fire brigade at the end of the tourist season to show my appreciation for all their hard work.”