A family-run business in Cowbridge is devastated after a fire tore through their 300-year-old pub, causing extensive damage to the historic building. Fire crews responded to the blaze at the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, Cowbridge, on Thursday, June 12, after smoke was seen billowing from the structure.
The pub reopened in early 2015 when local chef Tom Watts-Jones and Sarah Watts-Jones took over and renovated the site. Since then, it has earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide and been named among the UK's best pubs by the Good Food Guide.
The fire service received a call at around 8:30 a.m. reporting a fire at the property on Maendy Road, Aberthin. Fortunately, everyone inside was evacuated safely, but the incident has been a great loss for the community. Police urged the public to avoid the area as emergency services worked until 1:30 p.m.
Owners Share Heartbreak and Hope
A spokesperson for the pub said: “Some difficult news to share. There was a fire at the Hare & Hounds this morning. The most important thing is that everyone is safe, and we’re hugely grateful to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and everyone who helped. We’re still taking it all in and working out what comes next, so please bear with us. The Hare & Hounds has stood at the heart of this village for over 300 years, and with the support of this incredible community, it will again. Thank you for all the kind words and messages. We’ll share more when we can.”
Investigators later determined the fire started as an electrical fire, but the exact cause is still unknown.
Community Outpouring of Support
The disaster prompted an outcry from locals, with councillor Charles Champion describing the pub as “the heart of Aberthin.” Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies also expressed sadness, saying: “I’m deeply saddened and worried to hear of reports of a fire at the Hare and Hounds. The team have worked so hard to create a successful and popular pub at the heart of Aberthin. My thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”
Owner and director Sarah Watts-Jones told WalesOnline: “Thursday was horrible; just watching somewhere that we’d all worked so hard on smoking, with no idea of how bad the damage had been until much later in the day when we were allowed in. It’s almost been a grieving process, as we’ve realised sentimental things that we’ve lost that can never be replaced. Miraculously, the beautiful old bar, and all the memorabilia on the walls that has been there forever, is still intact. With some smoke damage, and water damage, but fixable. The dining room is another story, it is pretty much completely destroyed. And the room above is completely destroyed.”
Plans to Reopen
Still shaken, Sarah remains hopeful: “We will hopefully be back open at some point this year, better and stronger. In the meantime, we will hopefully be doing some pop-ups or events at Hare & Hounds Bakery, our site in Cowbridge.” She added that the community’s support has been heartwarming: “This is an awful thing that has happened to our business, but seeing how much the pub means, not just to us, but to our lovely team, and the wider community has been heartwarming. From the people who brought us coffee when we were stood in the rain watching the fire crew, to the constant offers of help I get at the school gate and as I walk along the high street in Cowbridge.”
Supporters can continue to visit the team’s other businesses: Hare & Hounds Bakery, Heathcock, and Heathcock Kitchen & Deli. Sarah said: “When the Hare & Hounds re-opens, we will need them to come and eat and drink with us as much as they are able!”
