Catford Bridge Tavern will still re-open following fire, confirms owner

Solitaire Limited, a small, independent pub company, said “nothing has changed” in regards to its planned refurbishment of the Catford Bridge Tavern, after a blaze started at the premises yesterday evening.

Michael Nicholas from Solitaire said: 'We’re not in a position to comment on the fire, but we are working to ensure that the site is safe and secure. Our intention has always been to reopen the pub and nothing has changed in that regard."

The pub, which was closed for renovation, was attended to by eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers, after emergency services were called just before 6pm on 1 March. Four people were taken to hospital after suffering light smoke inhalation and the whole of the roof and the second floor and most of the first floor was damaged in the blaze.

The London Fire Brigade said the cause of the fire is not known but is not thought to be suspicious.

Solitaire acquired the pub for £1.4m from Tesco in August 2013. It was previously run by Antic London.

Solitaire said it plans to create a bespoke bar in the centre of the pub, a restaurant and a heated outdoor roof terrace. It also plans to refurbish the residential areas into a combination of one, two and three bedroom flats.