However, after two fire engines arrived shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday (17 September) at the Queen Street Tap, in Deal, it soon transpired that it had been a “false alarm”.
A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “There were reports of a smell of smoke, but there was no fire located”.
Just to be sure, the crew used thermal cameras.
Appropriate steps
A spokesman for Stonegate said: “The fire brigade were called and customers were evacuated as a precaution when management detected the smell of smoke.
“But there was no incidence of fire.
“Appropriate steps were taken to ensure the safety of staff and customers, which remains our primary concern. The pub and kitchen are now open.”
Stonegate has leased the pub, previously named the Hole in the Roof, from landlord Punch.
The revamp provided a further 25 jobs, and introduced craft beers, cocktails, handcrafted street food, live music and hi-tech sports viewing, to the venue described as having “a touch of urban, industrialised design".
Exciting expansion
At the time, Stonegate chief executive Simon Longbottom, said: “This is an exciting expansion for Stonegate.
“Creating independent venues with local people at our core is massively important to us, so to have the privilege of developing a venue demonstrating the love for pubs and craft beer in the area is great.
“We can’t wait to welcome customers, the existing team – whose jobs have been saved – and our new recruits.”
The pub closed for the refurbishment, and opened last month in time for the August bank holiday weekend.