Guests were safely evacuated from Gloucestershire’s oldest pub, the Black Bear in Tewkesbury, after a fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 11. The blaze originated in the pub’s attic, according to owner Luke.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly to the emergency, working swiftly to contain and extinguish the fire. Thanks to the swift actions of the staff and the cooperation of patrons, the evacuation proceeded smoothly with no injuries reported.
In a Facebook statement, Luke confirmed the pub will remain closed “until further notice” while thorough inspections assess the extent of the damage.
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“Earlier this evening there was a fire in the attic area of the pub,” the statement read. “Thanks to the quick action of our staff, the cooperation of our customers, and the prompt response from Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue, the fire was contained to a small area and the premises were evacuated safely. As a precaution, The Black Bear will remain closed until further notice.
“We will provide updates once inspections are complete and any necessary repairs and remedial work have been carried out to ensure the building is safe to reopen. We will not reopen until full clearance has been given.
“We would like to thank Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue for their prompt response, our patrons for their cooperation, and our staff for the efficient evacuation. We also appreciate the supportive messages received this evening.
“We apologise for any disruption caused and thank you for your understanding.”
The Black Bear, dating back to 1308, is Gloucestershire’s oldest pub and a Grade II listed building, treasured for its historical significance.