For eight weeks the Cherry Tree pub in Woodbridge has been without a kitchen - inviting customers to instead bring in their own food - but now they are ready to reopen.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Cherry Tree has seen a rejuvenation since the devastating fire on September 3. Picture: GEMMA JARVISThe Cherry Tree has seen a rejuvenation since the devastating fire on September 3. Picture: GEMMA JARVIS (Image: Archant)

The kitchen at the Cumberland Street pub was shut down following a devastating fire on September 3, which caused extensive smoke and water damage.

The early morning blaze was found to be caused by an electrical fault with the plug socket on an extractor fan, and tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.

In the wake of the fire, the pub encouraged drinkers to order take away but now they are ready to reopen their kitchen and once again serve delicious home-cooked food.

There will be a grand re-opening tomorrow.

East Anglian Daily Times: The staff at the pub have kept themselves busy by giving the bar areas a freshen up. Picture: GEMMA JARVISThe staff at the pub have kept themselves busy by giving the bar areas a freshen up. Picture: GEMMA JARVIS (Image: Archant)

Landlords Andy Thompson and James Buckingham spoke of their determination and relief at getting their kitchen up and running again.

Mr Thompson said: "It has been an incredibly testing time. It massively affected our friendship because we were both so stressed with everything that was going on."

But he said the work to restore the kitchen has united the team.

"The relationship between myself, James and Mickey Turner our head chef, has strengthened. This has bonded us massively."

East Anglian Daily Times: Pictures show the damage caused by the electrical fire in the kitchen. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON/JAMES BUCKINGHAMPictures show the damage caused by the electrical fire in the kitchen. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON/JAMES BUCKINGHAM (Image: Archant)

With anticipation mounting for the re-opening tomorrow, the co-owners are llooking forward to welcoming old and new customers alike back to their beloved pub.

Mr Thompson added: "All the chefs have been back in over the last couple of days trying to get ahead of the game ready for tomorrow."

Head chef Mickey Turner said: "It's been amazing to be able to get back in the kitchen. And the re-opening has pushed us all to do better. Now we have a blank canvas and everything can start again."

They all admitted they are looking forward to hearing "the buzz" of a busy pub again.

East Anglian Daily Times: It wasn't long before the show was back on the road with the delivery of new ovens ready for the grand re-opening. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON/JAMES BUCKINGHAMIt wasn't long before the show was back on the road with the delivery of new ovens ready for the grand re-opening. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON/JAMES BUCKINGHAM (Image: Archant)

Mr Thompson said; "I'm nervous about tomorrow. Since the fire, that has been the focus, the finish line. Yesterday I was super excited to see the chefs back in the kitchen but relief is probably my overwhelming emotion. That we've made it through."

East Anglian Daily Times: The chefs have been busy in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVISThe chefs have been busy in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVIS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The chefs have been busy getting everything ready in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVISThe chefs have been busy getting everything ready in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVIS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The chefs have been busy in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVISThe chefs have been busy in anticipation of the restaurant re-opening. Picture: GEMMA JARVIS (Image: Archant)