Heartbroken punters woke up to the sight of the 'best pub in Wigan' severely damaged following a fire. Emergency services raced to reports of a blaze in Wigan town centre at around 4am on Tuesday morning (August 4).
Crews battle blaze
Crews worked hard overnight to dampen the blaze as large plumes of smoke billowed from the John Bull Chop House. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said nobody was hurt.
Window frames were left melted, with walls charred and one side of the roof caved in.
Locals react
Dozens of locals made their way to Coopers Row. One person told the Manchester Evening News: "That's my youth. I used to go in there when I was a biker, but I don't drink anymore so I don't go as much."
"It's the best pub in Wigan and you won't find another like it anywhere else. It used to have the best jukebox going."
"I saw about the fire on the internet and I had to come down and see for myself."
Another person added: "I live in a block of flats and I saw the fire from my flat. I went to my balcony and it was a load of thick white smoke."
"It was so bright I could see the firefighters on their lifts. I didn't think it was the pub at first, I thought it was further than that."
Someone else said: "It's a shame. It's such a popular pub, so many people go there and to see it like that? It's an old building so when something like that happens it's so hard to recover."
Historic pub
One of Greater Manchester's best-loved and most historic pubs, the John Bull is believed to date back to the 17th Century. In 1998 it became a Grade II-listed building.
Owner Thwaites has vowed to restore the pub back to its 'former glory'. A spokesperson from Thwaites said: "Fire services were called to a blaze at The John Bull Chop House in Wigan in the early hours of the morning."
"While a cause has yet to be confirmed, the fire is now contained, with everyone safe and no injuries reported."
"We're working closely with the fire and police services to assist with the ongoing investigation, as well as with Pete and Vicky – our tenants at the pub – to offer our full support."
"Whilst it's very early days, The John Bull Chop House is a much-loved pub in the local community and it's very much our intention to restore the pub back to its former glory."
Fire service statement
Crews remain at the scene. A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "At approximately 4am on Tuesday, August 4, four fire engines from Wigan, Atherton and Leigh fire stations were called to attend a fire at a pub on Coopers Row, Wigan."
"Crews arrived quickly and used breathing apparatus, three hose reels, one hose reel jet and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire."
"Firefighters remain in attendance at this time." The fire service added no-one was injured.
Council updates
Wigan Council said on X at 7.28am: "@manchesterfire are currently tackling a blaze at the John Bull pub in Wigan.
"A 50-metre exclusion zone has been set up to keep the public safe. Please avoid the area if possible."
An update at 8.40am from the council said: "The fire has now been extinguished. The cordon will be lifted shortly."
