A Suffolk landlord has thanked the local community for its support after his pub was closed due to fire damage.

East Anglian Daily Times: Firefighters from all over Suffolk were called to battle the blaze. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTFirefighters from all over Suffolk were called to battle the blaze. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

David Marjoram, owner of the One Bull Pub in Bury St Edmunds, was left without his flat and unable to fulfil Christmas meals due to water damage the building suffered after the fire at neighbouring Cycle King.

The fire took place at the end of September leaving the cycle shop as a burnt out shell.

David says that he was away from the pub with his family when he heard that the fire had broken out.

“The head chef called me, I didn’t realise there was a problem. I was very concerned,” he says.

Having received the bad news David decided to drive back to the pub where he came across the 15 fire crews that had been assembled there to tackle the blaze at the cycling shop.

“It was horrible to watch,” said David. “I felt very helpless.”

Initial hopes were that the pub had not sustained any lasting damage from the fire itself or from water taken in when the fire was put out. These hopes quickly subsided.

“We didn’t realise the extent of the damage at first, but that’s normal. Damp takes a while before it shows itself.”

Early estimates suggested the pub would be open in November but it was then discovered that moisture was still coming in, meaning the drying process had to begin all over again.

Around 300 people have had their meals moved to one of the pub’s sister sites in Ingham and Hartest.

David says that he was initially concerned about cancelling the Christmas service and what impact it would have on the pub’s growing reputation, but was also relieved that he would not be letting people down at the last minute.

“We have worked really hard for 10 years to get people to come to our pub and trust us with our bookings,” he added.

Current estimates place the pub’s re-opening to some time in early 2018, though this depends on how well the drying process goes.

Despite David’s worries the response from the local community has been positive.

“The support as a business has been amazing, but also on a personal level,” he said.

“A massive thank you to everyone, We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.”