The Admiral Hornblower in Oakham re-opens on September 11 following a fire

A pub will re-open next week after the building suffered extensive smoke damage in a fire.

The Admiral Hornblower in Oakham has been closed since February after an accidental fire broke out in the kitchen.

Although it was contained quickly, the fire caused considerable damage to the pub and restaurant.

Those areas have since been gutted and fully refurbished ahead of the re-opening on Wednesday next week (September 11).

Director Charlotte Crawford, from family-owned company Proper Pubs, said: “It has been seven long months waiting to be given the green light to start work on restoring the much-loved Admiral Hornblower, which has a strong reputation and following.

“We are delighted to be able to finally announce our re-opening date and thank all of the tradespeople and staff who have helped us reach this stage. We cannot wait to show everyone what we have done to improve our beautiful, listed building.”

Head chef Liam Brewer has created a new menu for the High Street business including roasted cod fillet, wild mushroom arancini, chicken, leek and smoked ham hock pie, and pub classics of sirloin steak, chef’s cut burger and beer battered haddock.

Proper Pubs also owns the Finch’s Arms in Hambleton.