Marr Lodge, on the outskirts of Doncaster, suffered structural damage due to the blaze but after nine months of negotiations, planning and design work, contractors are now on site to get the pub open again.
The reopening of the pub, which is owned by multiple operator Pub People, is expected to include a ribbon cutting and series of soft launch evenings.
Licensee Michelle Allison, who has led the site for more than 11 years, will return to the helm.
Pub People managing director Andy Crawford reflected on the incident when there were initial concerns someone was unaccounted for inside the building.
Chilling day
He said: “It was the same day we had opened our biggest-ever refurbishment at Dukeries Lodge in Mansfield.
“The contrast couldn’t have been more stark when we received a middle-of-the-night call about the fire at Marr Lodge.
“It was one of the most chilling days of my career but, owing to the fast response of the emergency services, there were mercifully no casualties.
“The pub staff’s livelihoods have been impacted and we’ve had to navigate police investigations.
“But thanks to the perseverance of our operations and property teams, we’re now on the way back.
“It’s been a long journey with the insurers and a tough reminder this industry can lift you one day and floor you the next.”
Complex reinstatement
The £1.2m reinstatement work is being led by Doncaster-based Togel Contractors with Pub People head of property James Mellor overseeing delivery.
Mellor added: “We’re deep into roofing, structural and M&E works now. This has been one of the most complex reinstatements we’ve taken on and I’m proud of hour our teams and contractors have worked together to make it happen.”
The pub’s new look will have a refreshed interior, a more premium food-led offer and a renewed focus on experience-led dining, targeting regulars and new family-focused guests.
Pub People has been operating pubs in the East Midlands since 1993 with sites in city centres, canal side locations but most often in local communities and neighbourhoods.
