Ex-England cricketers host ‘thank you’ lunch for firefighters

The Tap & Run gastropub in Upper Broughton, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, reopened in June this year after the site was ravaged by the fire​.

The 28 firefighters from West Bridgford Fire Station who served on the night of the blaze were invited to return to the pub for the ‘thank you’ lunch by ex-England cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney on Monday 16 October to be thanked personally by the team and to enjoy an exclusive meal.

Awful night​

“It was amazing to be able to shake the hands of the men and women who tackled the blaze on that awful night and to thank them personally for everything they did,” said managing director Harry Gurney.

“To us, the Tap & Run​ isn’t just a building, and it isn’t just a pub. It’s the livelihood of everyone that works here, and it’s so special to be able to look these men and women in the eye and say thank you.”

Sam Featherstone, watch manager at West Bridgford Fire Station, added: “It’s very humbling to be thanked personally like this. It’s very rare that we receive this sort of recognition, so it’s absolutely lovely to be welcomed back to the pub and thanked in person.”

£1.3m investment​

The gastropub reopened its doors after a £1.3m investment was spent on restoring and renovating the pub following the fire, which broke out in the early hours of 11 June 2022 after laundry ignited in a tumble dryer.

The pub received a great reception on its reopening with almost 1,000 customers coming through the doors in its first week.

The Cat & Wickets Pub Company also operates the Griffin Inn in nearby Swithland.