A MUCH-LOVED North Yorkshire pub is to open its doors again next month after recovering from a devastating fire.

The family-run Tiger Inn at Coneythorpe, near Knaresborough, has been renovated and refurbished after the blaze in November last year.

The Tiger, which has been run by Ian and Barbara Gill for the past 15 years, will re-open on Monday, October 25.

Mr Gill said: “We were left devastated by the fire, which started in our kitchen. It was accidental and we were so grateful that no-one was hurt. The local fire brigades from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Acomb were absolutely brilliant.

“As you can imagine, the last 18 months have been extremely challenging. We were already struggling with the serious effects of Covid-19 last year, when the huge fire struck. As a result we have been closed ever since.

“However, we have been so heartened and encouraged the support we have received from all our regulars, who have given us the strength to carry on and to ensure that The Tiger will re-open in style.”

Mrs Gill added: “As a special thank you to the brave firemen who tackled the blaze, we will be presenting a cheque for £5,000 to the Firefighter’s Charity when we reopen.

“Had it not been for Covid someone would have been on the premise, when the fire started. But, on the plus side, as the pub was empty, it meant there was no danger to life.”

Angus Armitage, a Coneythorpe resident and Tiger Inn regular, said: “The Tiger is the heart of the community in Coneythorpe. My family and I are really looking forward to the re-opening in October. As regulars before the fire, we have missed the delicious food and friendly faces.”