A popular pub which has recently undergone a £750,000 revamp had to be evacuated after a fire broke out.

Drinkers were forced to down their pints after a blaze broke out at The Meynell Ingram Arms in Hoar Cross, near Uttoxeter.

Today the pub's bosses have thanked customers and staff for their understanding, saying they believe a faulty meter connection to the electricity supply sparked the fire on Saturday night (August 3).

The fire happened at around 8.30pm, with the pub's fire alarm system sounding and after smoke was spotted staff quickly evacuated.

The fire was contained to the electrical cabinet, with no-one injured or damage to the building, said a pub spokesman.

The owners have thanked customers for their understanding on the night as they left the building in a 'brisk but orderly fashion', DerbyshireLive reports.

They also thanked Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service crews which 'responded quickly with their usual professionalism ensuring the building was made safe in a short amount of time'.

Manager Tom Cross at the Meynell Ingram Arms

The fire has led to a short closure of the pub. It was shut to customers yesterday (August 4) and will remain closed this lunchtime. It is hoped it will be open tonight as usual.

This is because the building has no power and is awaiting the installation of a new meter, so the business is in the hands of the electricity company as to when they can reopen, said the spokesman.

General manager Tom Cross said: "Whilst being extremely grateful that nobody was hurt or ultimately in serious danger, I would like to sincerely apologise to our customers present at the time, and those with bookings, we will be contacting everyone to ensure that they are aware of the short term closure.

"We had a full house when the incident occurred and I am aware that we had several people celebrating special occasions, anniversaries and birthdays etc - their evenings certainly ruined.

"I hope we get the opportunity to repay their understanding and serve them again in the near future."

The Meynell Ingram Arms

Howard Thacker, managing director of Berkeley Inns Ltd which owns the pub, said: "I clearly concur with Tom's sentiments and would also like to express special gratitude to our staff team.

"We had 42 people on duty and all handled themselves in a professional manner with primary concern for our customers' safety. 

"From all the initial reports I have received, it would appear that the likely cause was a loose connection into the electricity meter on the supply side.

"I am also happy that our recently deployed emergency, fire safety systems and policies worked efficiently resulting in no injuries or substantial damage. 

"The re-launch of The Meynell Ingram in May has been a tremendous success and we will be working extremely hard to be open in the next day or so."

During the revamp, the pub was gutted and kitted out with new fittings, including the bar. The outside area at the pub was also revamped.

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