This morning, the serene village of Arborfield Cross was disrupted by a major fire at a historic local pub, The Bull Inn, leading to road closures and emergency services springing into action. The incident, which occurred on April 9, 2024, saw flames engulf the outbuildings of the beloved establishment, drawing immediate response from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police.
As firefighters battled the blaze, police cordoned off surrounding roads to facilitate the emergency operation and ensure public safety. Witnesses reported visible damage to the pub’s outbuildings, with charred holes marking the structure’s sides visible from Swallowfield Road. The aftermath also revealed extensive damage to the outdoor fixtures and furniture in the pub’s beer garden, a space cherished by locals for leisurely afternoons.
Fortunately, the pub’s main building managed to escape the flames, though it remained shrouded in the aftermath’s pungent smell of smoke. While the area has been sealed off for investigation, authorities have indicated that the incident is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
Thames Valley Police took to social media to inform the public of the situation, urging residents and commuters to steer clear of the area to allow emergency crews to perform their duties without hindrance. The community has been assured that the road closures are strictly for safety reasons and to provide a secure working environment for the responding teams.
The Bull Inn, a structure steeped in history and dating back to the 18th Century, holds a special place in Arborfield’s heritage. According to The Arborfield Village History Society, it was once graced by none other than Queen Victoria, who paused at the inn to rest her horses en route from Windsor to Stratfield Saye, visiting the Duke of Wellington. This incident further solidifies the pub’s historical significance, underscored by its status as a Grade II listed building.
As the village comes to terms with this unfortunate event, the focus remains on assessing the full extent of the damage and charting a path to recovery for The Bull Inn, a cornerstone of Arborfield Cross’s community life. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and efforts to restore the affected areas begin. In the meantime, local residents are reminded of the ongoing road closures and encouraged to offer support to the affected business as it navigate this challenging period.
