Man expected to deny arson over fire at Michelin-starred North Yorkshire restaurant
The Star Inn at Harome was devestated by the blaze in November 2021
A man is expected to plead not guilty to arson over a fire that caused more than £2 million pounds worth of damaged to a well-known Michelin-starred restaurant in North Yorkshire.
28-year-old Charles Birkett, from Helmsley, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates' Court on Monday.
He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the brief hearing, and is set to appear at York Crown Court in September.
Birkett was not asked to enter a plea to the charge of arson with recklessness as to whether property would be destroyed or life endangered, but his solicitor Damien Morrison indicated that he would be pleading not guilty.
The defendant was granted unconditional bail until his next appearance at York Crown Court on September 18.
The Star Inn has regularly featured in lists of the best restaurants and gastropubs since the arrival of chef and patron Andrew Pern more than 25 years ago.
The inn was rebuilt and reopened on the anniversary of the fire in 2022.
No-one was injured in the blaze, which saw more than 40 firefighters fight to save the building.