PINTS were being pulled at a Wokingham pub hours after a fire forced it to close.
Shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday, March 30, fire crews were called to The Victoria Arms in Easthampstead Road to tackle the blaze.
Although the boozer is just yards away from Wokingham fire station, crews were also sent from Wokingham, Ascot, Crowthorne, Theale and Bracknell fire stations were sent to the scene alongside two officers and crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
An on-call doctor tweeted that they raised the alarm after seeing the fire in an upstairs window.
The pub was getting ready to host an open mic session, as it does every Thursday, evening. But instead of singing voices that were raised, it was the fire alarm.
The pub evacuated and eye witnesses said customers inside the venue left safely.
Fire crews then sealed the road off to allow the blaze to be extinguished safely.
A spokesperson for the brigade said: “At 7:33pm on Thursday, 30 March, we received reports of a fire on Easthampstead Road in Wokingham.
“Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham, Ascot, Crowthorne, Theale and Bracknell fire stations were sent to the scene alongside two officers and crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire on the ground floor of a commercial property. Using two hose reels, firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus extinguished the fire.
“Crews were on the scene for approximately four hours and returned the following morning to re-inspect the property for hotspots.”
And the all-clear was given by early afternoon the next day.
The pub posted on its social media: “The gas, electricity and water have all been checked.
“The pub is now open for business all public areas are fine, all damage limited to private area.
“The beer chiller is now back on so, when you get here, the beer will be just right.”
The pub is planning to hold a live music evening on Sunday, April 30, with an appearance by The Vic Arms Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. This six-piece badn will perform blues, swing, jump jive and R’n’B.
Entry is free, but a hat will be passed round for tips.
