Storm Babet forces pubs to close

This comes after the Environment Agency announced more flooding could hit the UK this week.

Storm Babet destroyed the Old Chain Pier pub in Edinburgh, Scotland, from "top to bottom, after being hit by massive waves in Wardie Bay on Friday night (29 September). Windows, electrics, flooring, furniture and stock were wrecked. 

Speaking to The Morning Advertiser,​ the pub’s owner Calum Mackay said: "Everyone got a real fright as the waves were considerably higher than any of us have experienced down here for more than 20 years, possibly ever. Several of us got a real soaking and hit by debris."

The pub had to close on Friday night and was not able to open until Saturday night. It lost out on trade and also sustained several thousand pounds' worth of damage. 

At this stage the owner is not sure whether he will be able to claim much of that back as flood damage, as the fact the building is right next to the ocean makes things more complicated.

Mackay said it was an "incredibly fast" turnaround due to the "fantastic efforts" of the staff and support from the local community.

The fire bridge were called, and the professionals helped secure the premises. "We were grateful for their controlled and impressive work," Mackay said. "We were a bit out of our comfort zone to put it mildly."

He added: "We're all ok and back up and raring to go, but we've learned a lot about the power of the sea down here."

The Swan & Salmon in Newark upon Trent, Nottinghamshire, was also hit by flooding due to the storm. Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused, reported Nottinghamshire Live, and the pub is submerged in about 18 inches of water.

The pub’s team said: “Unfortunately, we lost the battle with Mother Nature and have been forced to close our beautiful Swan and Salmon until further notice.”

The Anchor in Brampton, Chesterfield also suffered severe flooding. A spokesperson said: “We’re devastated like many other small businesses in the area. We have no choice but to close for the foreseeable.”

About 1,250 properties in England have been flooded and an estimated 30,000 properties have been protected from flooding, the Environmental Agency has said.

The Met Office issued overnight warnings for ice, which will remain in place in Scotland and northern England until 9am today.