Charlestown pub and hotel Pier House reopens after fire
The Pier House suffered extensive damage to the roof and back of the building following a blaze 18 months ago
Last updated 28th Jun 2024
An historic pub and hotel in Charlestown, which was destroyed by a fire 18 months ago, is fully reopening for the summer.
The Pier House suffered extensive water damage to it's roof and the back of the building.
The fire resulted in the main pub being closed for over a year, with some service outside on a limited basis last summer.
The harbourside next to the pub also experienced damage and has recently opened as the now revamped Harbour Beer House – a new concept with Harbour Brewing in Padstow.
Since last year, the pub has been renewed back to it's former glory in a multi-million pound restoration project and is ready to fully welcome customers from midday.
Helen Sprason, St Austell Brewery, said: "The water damage, it took 14 hours to get the fire under control. It's a lot of water. Even though the fire came under control it was the water damage and the smoke that takes hold.
"We were really proud to be able to open a small part of the business last summer.
"Ultimately, we lost the kitchen, had no office, lost all of our storage space. We lost the whole of the back roof. There was major works and a lot to be done."
St Austell Brewery who have been refurbishing the site donated ÂŁ19,000 (5 tonnes) of redundant equipment and fittings to CollectEco who distribute it to the NHS and homeless charities in the South West.
A full launch party will be hosted for both Harbour Beer House and Pier House in September, where guests who were staying on the night of the fire will be welcomed back, as well as the fire brigade who attended down for a bit of a get together and to say a big thank you.
What does the new Pier House look like?
The pub has been sensitively restored and focused on highlighting natural beauty, inside and outside the Pier house, following the blaze.
Features of the much-loved venue have been kept, such as exposed beams and nooks showing off original fabric of the building.
Rooms have been reduced from 27 to 23 to make the most of the downstairs space, opening up the bar space to have a view and access to the terrace and sea views and making the pub and hotel more open plan and spacious.
The pub is opening just in time for Charlestown Regatta, and owners are hoping to show off the Pier House to visitors who will be coming to the village to enjoy the race week and see what Charlestown is all about.
Paul Harvey, general manager of the Pier House, said: “This refurbishment project has been totally transformational. It’s amazing to see the Pier House looking better than ever. Those who have had a sneak peek in the community are amazed at what has been achieved. We’ve kept its former charm whilst taking the pub to a new level of ambiance.
“We’ve sensitively shown off the history of the building, showcasing the grandeur of the structure and how it’s been used throughout the years. We can’t wait to welcome everybody back tomorrow, to experience it for themselves.”