Michelin-starred 14th century Star Inn at Harome ‘reduced to ashes’ by thatch roof blaze
A devastating fire at a Michelin-starred restaurant near Helmsley was brought under control after the blaze ripped through its thatched roof during opening hours.
More than 40 firefighters were called to the 14th century Star Inn at Harome around 10.15pm on Wednesday night. The fire was brought under control but some officers remain at the scene.
People are being asked to avoid the area while an investigation into the fire takes place.
The pub was open at the time the fire started, but no one was injured.
It is hoped the ground floor has been saved but much of the thatched roof, where the fire started, has been lost.
The pub has regularly featured in lists of the best restaurants and gastropubs in the UK since the arrival of chef and patron Andrew Pern 25 years ago.
Earlier, Mr Pern said on Twitter: “It’s been a long night so far…. I’m afraid we won’t be open for a while as we are reduced to ashes with The Star on fire and still burning, residents please call after 9am. Thanks @chefandrewpern.”
The inn posted on its Facebook page: “We are devastated to let everyone know that there has been a fire in our restaurant and pub that has been burning throughout the night.
“Thankfully no one was hurt and our hotel Cross House Lodge is still fully operational, with food and accommodation for hotel guests.
“Please do bear with us as we try to navigate a way forward.
“Unfortunately our internet and phone lines are all currently down, so we are unable to answer phone and email messages at this time.
“Thank you for all of your messages of support, we are very grateful.”
Stuart Simpson from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue says thatch is "notoriously difficult" for firefighters as it is designed to repel water
Stuart Simpson from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue told ITV News crews had got there just after 10pm and crew had worked "really hard in challenging situations.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said nine appliances from Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Pickering were called to tackle the burning thatched roof and seven remained at the scene on Thursday morning.
A spokesman said: “All the occupants of the property were out on the arrival of crews.
At its peak the incident had nine appliances, one aerial ladder platform, one water bowser, one welfare unit and an incident command unit in attendance.
“Crews worked with main jets and hose reel jets to contain the fire and the aerial ladder platform was deployed to removed thatch from the roof.
The incident was scaled back to seven fire engines and the aerial ladder platform at around 5.45am. The incident is still ongoing and crews are still working to extinguish the fire in the roof using hose reel jets and 45 jets.”