A significant fire broke out at a popular Wetherspoons pub in Shropshire on Saturday afternoon, forcing customers to evacuate abruptly, some even taking their meals and drinks outside with them.
Diners Forced to Flee as Smoke Fills Pub
The incident occurred at The Hippodrome in Market Drayton shortly after 1pm on Saturday, 28 December. Up to 50 firefighters across eight crews were mobilised to tackle the flames, which originated from an open fire within the historic building. Customer John Kirby, who was dining with his 15-month-old daughter Hannah, described seeing smoke emanating from a fire pit. "We moved away from the fire, and then someone came with a fire extinguisher trying to put it out," he said. The fire alarm then sounded, prompting a full evacuation.
A Challenging Firefighting Operation
Station Manager Craig Jackson of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze involved an open fire and praised the safe evacuation of all patrons. The operation was described as "challenging and complex" due to hidden fire spread behind wooden panelling and the building's layout. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hosereel jets to bring the fire under control, with roads around the area closed during the operation. The fire was fully extinguished by 3.30pm.
Accidental Cause and Damage Assessment
A subsequent fire investigation determined the cause was accidental. Hot embers from the open fire dropped through a defect in the fireplace, igniting the wooden floor and supporting timbers. Damage was sustained to the floor, walls, and ceiling within a raised seating area from fire, heat, and smoke. Thankfully, there were no casualties. The fire service commended the pub's management and staff for their prompt and professional evacuation.
A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon stated that while a clean-up crew was on site and contractors were being arranged to check utilities and begin repairs, the pub would remain closed on Saturday evening. They expressed hope to reopen as normal on Sunday following contractor assessments. The Hippodrome, a fixture in the town, was originally Market Drayton's first purpose-built cinema, opening in 1927.
