Wetherspoon fans will be delighted to hear that a much-loved Welling pub is re-opening in just over a week, five months after a devastating fire forced it to close.
The wrecked pub. Picture: London Fire Brigade.
The burnt-out New Cross Turnpike closed on bank holiday Monday, August 31, last year.
After a "substantial investment" from JD Wetherspoon, it will finally open its doors once again on Tuesday, February 2.
The new look pub
The pub in Bellegrove Road was ablaze for several hours, and the flames destroyed half the first floor and a large section of its roof. Seven people were evacuated.
Nearly 100 firefighters battled the breakfast blaze for a mammoth four hours from 9.24am, and remained on the scene afterwards dampening down.
The view from behind the pub. Picture: Kane Brazier
As a show of gratitude for London Fire Brigade's hard work, company bosses have invited Bexley fire borough commander Richard Welch to cut the ribbon, along with Bexley Mayor Sybil Camsey.
The re-designed watering hole will have a beer garden, café-style pavement area, and roof garden/terrace - which will be a non-smoking area.
Left: Richard Welch. Right: Coun Camsey.
Historical local photos and artwork by Bexley artists will be on display. There will be 60 new jobs at the business.
Manager Toni Moore said: "Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming people back into the pub and we are confident that our customers, old and new, will be impressed by the transformation of the pub."
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