THREE fire crews battled a blaze early today which engulfed a pub kitchen and two outbuildings.

The fire at up-for-sale pub The Feathers in Walton High Street, Felixstowe, was reported to the brigade at 12.06am.

At first, two appliances were sent to the scene, but on arriving they immediately requested the assistance of a third fire engine.

The fire had taken hold of two outbuildings, fences on the property and the outside of the kitchen of the pub.

Using two hose reel jets the incident was brought under control by 12.40am.

Crews remained on scene after the flames were put out to strip away the flat roof to check for any signs that the fire had spread.

They left the scene shortly after 1am.

Damage was caused to the outside of the kitchen and wrecked two outbuildings, used for storage and as a utility area, at the rear of the premises.

All the contents of the buildings, which were left a charred shell, were destroyed.

The Feathers, which is currently up for sale with two agents, re-opened under new management four months ago and has been trading successfully during the autumn. It was open for business as usual today.

It is said to be Walton’s oldest pub – the building dating from the late 16th century, with additions to the front made in 1900, with records showing it has been in use as a pub since 1712.

At one time fairs used to be held on its forecourt and its yard stretched right down Cage Lane, where a cattle market was held.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said officers had been made aware of the incident but did not attend.