Horse & Groom ‘devastated’ by blaze

Owners of a city pub devastated by fire are determined to have it back open by Christmas.

Fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at The Horse  & Groom on Carholme Road, Lincoln, on Friday morning.

Six engines attended the fire along with police and paramedics – no-one was hurt in the fire but the popular pub near the Brayford waterside area suffered extensive damage. 

James Cann, Commercial Director for the Ever So Sensible Group that owns the pub, said: “We’re hugely relieved that nobody was hurt in the fire at the Horse & Groom. Walking back into our beautiful pub and seeing the devastation was heartbreaking. 

“The smoke damage is overwhelming; it has reached into every single room of the building. But the outpouring of positive support on social media has truly lifted us.

“This response says everything about the Horse & Groom and the incredible city of Lincoln we love and proudly call home. Our priority right now is looking after our team and pushing hard to try to be back open for Christmas.

“We owe enormous thanks to the fire crews and police, who were simply outstanding. Many told us they regularly eat and drink here, which made their efforts all the more humbling. 

“Without their swift and decisive response, I don’t believe the building would still be standing. We also want to thank our managers, Lisa and Alicia, whose quick actions at 6.30am on Friday made a huge difference. Alicia even left her one-year-old with her partner to rush straight here to help

“We were devastated in that moment, but we’re determined now. Let’s face it, if we can invent and build tanks here in Lincoln, we can definitely restore a pub.”