The Michelin-starred pub and restaurant, which has been run by chef-patron Andrew Pern for the past 25 years, suffered a major fire last night (24 November) starting in the roof of the 14th century building.
Posting a video of firefighters tackling the blaze on social media, Pern wrote: "It's been a long night so far…..I'm afraid we won't be open for a while as we are reduced to ashes with The Star on fire and still burning."
The Star at Harome is one of the UK’s best-loved gastropubs known for its low-beamed wooden ceilings and traditional interior. It currently sites at number two in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.
Messages of support have come in from people across the industry on social media. Chef Shaun Rankin wrote: “I hope you are all safe if you need anything at all please yell Andrew!! Very sad to see this, best wishes,” while Michael O’Hare said: “Oh Andrew I’m so so so so sorry this is devastating, love to you and all the family xx”
It is not the first time that Pern’s businesses have been affected by fire damage. In November 2018 his the Star Inn the City restaurant in York was forced to close for four months following a fire that originated in the newly refurbished kitchen.