Demolition work has started on a popular Hartford pub that was destroyed by fire earlier this year – with plans that it will reopen next summer.

Demolition work has started on the Hartford pub that was destroyed by fire earlier this year – with plans that it will reopen next summer.

The fire at Hartford Mill broke out in the early hours of August 8 and was spotted by overnight cleaner Keith Hill, who roused the sleeping residents.

Nine people, including general manager Colin Woodcock, 61, and his wife Kim, 49, escaped from the pub unharmed.

More than 40 firefighters from eight crews joined together to battle the blaze using jets, light portable pumps and an aerial appliance.

After four hours the fire was extinguished but the pub, living quarters and the roof of the building were destroyed.

Although the function room was saved, it suffered substantial smoke damage.

A spokesman for the pub’s owner, Spirit Pub Company, said: “We are currently in the process of demolishing the remaining unsafe structure of the Hartford Mill.”