In the early hours of Friday morning, a devastating fire tore through The Cottage Inn, an 18th-century pub nestled in the heart of Warwickshire.
The blaze, which engulfed half of the first floor and the roof of the two-storey building, required the concerted efforts of more than a dozen firefighters from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Responding to the emergency call at approximately 04:30 BST, three fire engines rushed to the scene on Black Hall Lane, Fillongley.
The inferno, fueled by the ancient timber and thatch construction, proved to be a formidable adversary for the firefighters battling to contain it.
Luke Bratchie, the pub’s owner, recounted the harrowing moment when he discovered the blaze. The shrill wail of the fire alarm pierced the pre-dawn silence, prompting Bratchie to investigate.
What he encountered was a scene of chaos and devastation as smoke billowed and flames danced menacingly through the interior.
With courage and presence of mind, Bratchie swiftly evacuated the premises, ensuring the safety of his partner Ellie, his mother, and their beloved dogs.
Recalling the frantic moments outside, Bratchie’s thoughts turned to aiding the firefighters by unlocking doors to facilitate access, a small but critical gesture in the face of overwhelming loss.
Speaking to BBC CWR, Bratchie expressed the profound impact of the tragedy. “All the money that was in the safe, they’ve checked the safe it’s all burnt to crisp,” he lamented. “I’ve lost money, I’ve lost clothes, I’ve lost my livelihood and my home.”
The Cottage Inn was not merely a business venture for Bratchie; it was a cherished cornerstone of the local community, steeped in history and memories spanning over three centuries.
The pub’s closure, indicated by a somber statement on its website, underscores the severity of the damage inflicted by the fire. “Until further notice,” it reads, “we are closed due to substantial damage.”
In a poignant post on Facebook, a spokesperson for the pub extended gratitude for the outpouring of support during this challenging time. “Whilst the family are safe,” the spokesperson affirmed, “we are of course heartbroken.”
For the residents of Fillongley, The Cottage Inn held a special place in their hearts. Eyewitnesses like Ricky, who observed the conflagration unfold with dread, echoed the sentiments of a community in mourning.
“It’s such a shame that it’s happened to them,” Ricky remarked, his concern extending to the well-being of Bratchie’s family and their pets.
As the embers smoldered and the dawn broke over Black Hall Lane, the extent of the devastation became painfully clear.
The charred remains of a once-vibrant establishment serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of heritage and the resilience of those left to pick up the pieces.
As investigations into the cause of the fire commence and plans for restoration loom uncertain, one thing remains abundantly clear: The Cottage Inn may have succumbed to flames, but its spirit lives on in the memories and unwavering support of a community united in solidarity and sorrow.
Black Hall Lane, ordinarily a bustling thoroughfare, now stands silent and mournful, a poignant symbol of loss in the tranquil countryside of Warwickshire.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members
