A LANDLORD of a historic pub which has been closed since a devastating fire more than a year ago says he still hopes to repair and reopen the watering hole.
The Hanover Inn, in Church Street, Harwich suffered at the hands of a catastrophic fire in June 2022, which also destroyed neighbouring cottages.
The fire, which was battled by multiple crews from across Essex, left 177 properties without power for hours on end due to safety concerns.
Following the blaze, the cause of which could not be determined, the venue’s bosses were left with a charred and inhabitable shell of a structure.
The community rallied together to support those impacted while raising funds to try and ensure the pub’s future.
Landlord Dave Todd is hopeful the Hanover will soon be back to its former glory.
He said: “The intention is very much to repair and rebuild.
“It’s still in the hands of the insurance company.
“Work has just started on the houses next door – this made us even more determined to get back in there.”
Mr Tood confirmed his insurance company had accepted liability and Historic England is reviewing their repair application.
He added the listing process can take up to a year.
Despite the setback caused by the fire, Mr Todd has been able to continue uniting Harwich residents.
Following the fire, the landlords of the vacant Crown Post building offered the space to Dave and the Hanover staff, while waiting for their own building to be restored.
Like The Hanover, the former site of The Crown Post is also located on Church Street.
He said: “The building had been empty since before Covid.
“A fellow landlord and lady offered it.
“It’s allowed us to keep locals together.”
In total, 11 crews were sent to help tackle the blaze.
Fire crews from stations in Dovercourt, Clacton, Manningtree and Weeley were among those who attended the scene in June last year.
Also present were crews from Brightlingsea, West Mersea, Corringham, Leader Roding, Colchester and Ipswich, as well as two aerial ladder platforms.
Paramedics were called to action and provided assistance on the day while two families were left homeless as a result of the fire.
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