The owner of a village pub near Woodbridge devastated by a fire has been left “humbled” by the community’s response.
Brendan Padfield, owner of The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, also revealed the pub could reopen in November and be fully restored, with repair work starting “in a matter of weeks”.
Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out in the early hours of June 23. They managed to save much of the building, thought to date from the 16th century, despite part of the roof falling in.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and Mr Padfield admits the cause of the fire remains “a bit of a mystery”.
Scaffolding has now been erected at the pub, formerly The British Larder and The Cherry Tree, which Mr Padfield opened in April.
Last night, he said: “In difficult times, the response from the community and customers has really lifted our spirits. I know it’s a hackneyed phrase but we have been overwhelmed.
“It has been humbling, whether they have been responses on social media, or good wishes on the telephone or in writing. It has been really encouraging and heart-warming.
“People have said they are saddened about temporarily losing The Unruly Pig. They loved coming here, they loved the food, they said it was different and that they want us back as soon as possible.
“My genuine heartfelt thanks goes to everyone for all their support and good wishes.”
He added: “Contractors are estimating what work needs to be carried out with a view to starting the rebuild of the property hopefully within a matter of weeks.
“It is early days but we are trying to target (reopening) for November. There are lots of bridges yet to be crossed.”
He said the building is “structurally sound”, adding: “There is extensive damage but it is mainly the roofing. Much of the restaurant bar area itself is undamaged, except for some smoke damage.
“But the fact that the building is structurally sound leads us to believe that we can bring back The Unruly Pig in the shape it was, absolutely.
“It is not a case of looking back now. It is onwards and upwards.”
It was previously thought the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault in the pub’s walk-in fridge which ignited a gas propane tank.
When asked if he now knew what had caused the blaze, Mr Padfield said: “The cause of the fire hasn’t been finally determined. I think it might end up being a bit of a mystery.
“It is what it is. It is possibly electrical. It might have been another cause. We may never know. We just have to look forward now.”
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