The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to the Admiralty pub, Trafalgar Square, at 5:49pm, with 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines required to tackle the blaze, which began in the pub’s basement and was under control just after 10pm.
LFB station commander Keith McDermott said: “The fire damaged the sub-basement and basement of a pub in Trafalgar Square.
"Due to the arduous, challenging, and hot conditions inside the basement we increased the number of fire engines and firefighters at the scene.
"Around 150 people evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses before the Brigade arrived.”
Horrendous news
While the fire caused heavy traffic disruption, there have been no reports of any injuries, however, LFB stated the cause of the blaze was under investigation.
MP Paul Scully and the Campaign for Pubs were among those sending sympathies to the pub via Twitter.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Scully said: “Horrendous news about the Admiralty.
“I spoke to the staff there on a visit a few months ago who were working so hard to bounce back from Covid. Thanks to the emergency service for their response. Devastating for staff and Fuller’s.”
The Admiralty fire comes as last month village pub the Tap & Run in Upper Broughton, on the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire boarder, owned by cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney, also suffered following the breakout of a fire.
Very proud
A spokesperson for Fuller’s said: “I can confirm we had a serious fire at the Admiralty in Trafalgar Square yesterday.
“The team safely and quickly evacuated the building, and nobody was injured, which was our primary concern.
“The fire has been put out and the pub will remain closed until further notice.
“We would like to thank London Fire Brigade for their quick response and support, and we are very proud of the way our team reacted in leading all our customers to safety so quickly.”
