'Christmas miracle' as Bath pub devastated by flooding reopens

  • The Bathampton Mill was badly damaged by flooding following Storm Bert and had to undergo extensive renovations, as ITV News' Max Walsh reports

A pub in Bath that was badly damaged by flooding following heavy rain and downpours during Storm Bert has re-opened.

Five people and two dogs had to be rescued by fire crews after becoming trapped inside the Bathampton Mill, in Bath, when the River Avon burst its banks at the end of November.

Emily Abbott, Deputy Manager at the Bathampton Mill, said the pub had to undergo extensive renovations but it is "fantastic" to be able to welcome customers back once again.

"I don't think there is anything worse than a pub closed in the festive season, so it's great to get the team back through the doors and get our guests back through the doors," she said.

Fire crews rescued five people and two dogs from The Bathampton Mill after it flooded following Storm Bert

Ms Abbott, who lives above the pub, said she was expecting some damage as the building has flooded before, but didn't expect the water level to rise so quickly.

"What we actually woke up to, was about four feet worth of water just coming up to the back door, so it was a bit of a process to get us out."

Tony Walsh, area manager for Premium County Pubs, added: "It has been a stress for the last three weeks, but we've got a great bunch working for us.

"They've worked their own little Christmas miracle to get us open and ready so we don't disappoint our Christmas Day guests, obviously, so it has been a stretch but we've got there and we're happy that we're open."