The owners of The John Bull Chophouse in Wigan have spoken out after a devastating fire tore through the beloved ale house in the town centre, leaving it severely damaged.
Firefighters rushed to the historic pub in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no one was hurt.
Arrest and investigation
A police investigation was launched, and a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary, and possession of class A drugs. He was later bailed pending further enquiries, with the Greater Manchester Police probe continuing.
The pub's management has now released a statement, thanking the community for its support, praising emergency services, and hailing the neighbours who raised the alarm.
Emotional statement from management
The statement reads: "The only way I can describe how I feel is like the absolute living sh** has been kicked out of me, and I speak for all of us at the pub when I say we’re still just trying to process it."
"It feels like a death. A catastrophe. All of the worst things wrapped up into one enormous b*****d. The John Bull is a livin’ thing."
"It isn’t anybody’s pub. It belongs to all of us. Not one of us has slept, unless it’s been chemically induced, and that isn’t restful."
"I honestly thought I might have got my s*** together enough by now to reply to all the messages, texts, offers of help and the general outpouring of love we’ve received."
Community fundraising
The post also thanked the fundraising efforts of the community, with more than £11,000 raised so far. Wigan musician Joe Astley is organising a gig to raise cash.
"So thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it. You saved the pub and gave us a chance to keep it going," they concluded.
