An Oxfordshire brewery and visitor centre have reopened after a large fire broke out yesterday afternoon (Monday 20) on its grounds.
After a temporary closure yesterday (Monday, May 20) due to the fire, the brewery shop and Malthouse Kitchen are back open as usual, but today's tours were cancelled.
Fire services were called at approximately 12.30pm yesterday afternoon, and although the fire was largely extinguished by the evening, fire crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue remained on scene throughout the night.
In a statement Oxfordshire County Council said: "Ten fire engines attended from Bicester, Hook Norton, Banbury, Deddington, Charlbury, Burford, Kidlington, Chipping Norton, Rewley Road, Wantage, Slade and Woodstock fire stations.
"Fire crews used multiple main jets and hose-reels to both extinguish the fire and protect surrounding buildings from the spread of fire.
"Currently the cause is being investigated."
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Hook Norton Brewery posted an update on their Facebook page about the incident this morning (Tuesday, May 21).
They reassured people that no one was injured in the fire.
The brewery also said the Shire Horses, who usually reside in the stables, were in a field at the time of the fire, and were 'oblivious to all the activity'.
The post explained that while the brewhouse was untouched by the fire, for over eight years contract caterers Thomas Franks have leased the top floor of the stable block as their head office, which is now 'totally gutted'.
In a statement yesterday managing director of the brewery, James Clarke, said: "We have an on-call fire station in Hook Horton and they train here regularly.
"It's really proved [the importance of] local knowledge and awareness of both the site now and also the emergency water supplies.
"The response was very quick - they know the building, they know the layout, they know the access, so that all helped the outcome - it could have been a whole lot worse."
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In another Facebook post this afternoon (Tuesday, May 21), the brewery posted a video showing the last fire engine leaving the property.
It said: "With their tireless work completed, the last fire service appliance leaves the brewery. Thank you."
Mr Clarke took to social media in a video post praising the response from the emergency services.
In the video Mr Clarke said: "Many of you will be aware by now that we've suffered a fairly catastrophic fire at the brewery today.
"The fire has affected the first floor of the stable, you can probably see the damage behind me.
"I’ve had a fantastic response from the fire and rescue service, the police, the National Grid, South Central Ambulance Service and the Environment Agency.
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"A huge thanks to everybody who has helped today and mitigated the damage as far as possible."
He added: "So open as usual, suffered a bit of damage, but onwards and upwards.
"In our 175th year, this won’t stop us. Thank you everybody for your support."
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