‘We are doing everything we can to
get The Blue Bell back open as soon as possible’
A pub which has been closed for
over ten weeks following a fire has provided an update with
“visible progress” made.
The Blue Bell has been closed since
July 11 when a fire started in a neighbouring property and
spread to the roof of the popular Emsworth pub’s kitchen
roof. While an early September opening date was earmarked
the repair work is still ongoing with progress expected this
week.
The landlord, Giles Babb, whose
family have run the pub for over 30 years, has provided an
update with scaffolding set to be erected this week for the
work to begin, however he did not want to commit to a
re-opening date at this time.
Giles said: “We would love to be
able to give everyone a date today, but after everything we
have been through we want to make sure the information we
give people is realistic. There are still things outside our
control, particularly around the building work and the lead
times for equipment.
“What I can promise is that we are
doing everything we can to get The Blue Bell back open as
soon as possible. It has been incredibly frustrating
watching the summer pass us by with the doors closed.
“We miss the noise of the pub, the
kitchen cooking, pulling a pint, the familiar faces at the
bar and all the things that make The Blue Bell what it is.”
A post on social media stated
“visible progress” would be seen this week with the next
stages set to commence. This includes clearance and strip
out work, scaffolding and further investigation of the
kitchen roof. The damaged roof needs to be fully exposed so
the extent of the damage can be assessed before rebuilding
can take place.
The Landlord has thanked the pub’s
customers and the community for their support during the
closure.
Giles said: “The support we have
received has been incredible. From customers and friends to
our staff, suppliers and other businesses around Emsworth,
people have constantly reminded us how much the pub means to
them.
“Hospitality is about people. After
more than ten weeks without being able to welcome people
through our doors, we cannot wait to hear the pub full of
conversation again, see familiar faces at the bar and start
doing what we love.
“The Blue Bell has been through
plenty over the years and it will come through this too. We
have missed our customers enormously. Please don’t forget
us. Keep following our updates, keep supporting the
brilliant independent businesses around Emsworth and, when
the doors finally reopen, we hope you will come back and
help us fill the place again.
“There will be a very special pint
waiting to be poured.”
The News
29th September 2026
