Blackstock Market's managing director Paul Blair has issued a heartfelt statement after a major fire broke out on the venue's rooftop garden, thanking the public for their overwhelming support.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of Monday, August 3, sending clouds of black smoke over Vauxhall. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to Blackstock Street at 2.57am and arrived five minutes later with four fire engines and an aerial appliance. Firefighters found the fire on the roof terrace, and all persons were accounted for. The fire was extinguished at 4.14am.
Firefighters tackle blaze amid structural concerns
Two teams of two firefighters wearing breathing masks entered an adjacent building and tackled the fire on a second-floor office space with a hose. Crews were later withdrawn from the roof over concerns of structural damage. When the ECHO arrived at 7.25am, a fire alarm was ringing and dozens of workers from nearby businesses were outside.
A Blackstock Market spokesperson confirmed there were no injuries, but the roof gardens will remain closed for the rest of 2026 while repairs are carried out, leaving the team "devastated".
Director praises response and community support
Paul Blair, who also runs Hot Water Comedy Club, said: "It’s difficult to put into words how devastated we all are about the fire at the Blackstock Roof Garden in the early hours of Monday morning.
"Most importantly, nobody was injured. Thanks to the incredibly fast response of our team and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, a very serious situation was brought under control. The Roof Garden will remain closed for the rest of 2026 while we rebuild, and the theatre directly below it has also been affected.
"However, Blackstock Market and Hot Water Comedy Club have multiple spaces, and the rest of the venue remains open, with the vast majority of shows going ahead as normal.
"Since the news broke, my phone hasn’t stopped. The messages, calls and offers of help from friends, customers, local businesses and people across Liverpool have been overwhelming.
"Seeing how much Blackstock Market has come to mean to people in such a short time has made me incredibly proud. I'm also immensely proud of our staff, contractors and trades, who have worked tirelessly and pulled together without hesitation.
"We've faced plenty of obstacles throughout Hot Water Comedy Club’s 17-year history. This is another huge setback - but it's one we will overcome. Liverpool has once again shown what makes it such a special city. When something happens to one of its own, people step forward.
"Please keep supporting local independent businesses. Choose your local coffee shop over Costa or Starbucks, and visit independent restaurants, bars, shops and venues instead of automatically choosing the large chains. It’s incredibly tough out there, and every booking, visit and purchase genuinely matters.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us. It means more to me, my family and our entire team than I can properly express."
