Centuries old Neath Valley pub destroyed by early morning blaze
A CENTURIES-OLD Neath Valley pub has been destroyed by fire.
A blaze ripped through the Lamb and Flag on the main road through Glynneath early this morning.
Eyewitnesses said the 200-year-old building was completely wrecked and Park Avenue had to be closed.
Firefighters were called to the scene at around 5.20am today and were still there more than three hours later.
A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "The first and second floors were well alight and the fire had spread to the roof space.
"We have four pumping appliances there, with one aerial appliance present and another on the way.
"A turntable ladder is also in use, along with three main jets."
Watch video footage from the scene of the fire below
Landlord and landlady Chris and Irene Rashbrook are understood to have got out safely, but have lost both their home and their livelihoods.
The Lamb and Flag celebrated its 200th birthday with a party for regulars in the summer of last year.
Beginning life as a coach house for travellers to London, it became a thriving pub and restaurant, which was also popular as a wedding destination and raised thousands of pounds for charity.
One shocked onlooker told the Post: "The place is gutted, absolutely wrecked.
"They're not going to be able to repair it, it will have to be demolished.
"The firefighters are still dealing with it now but it's a total wreck.
"The roof has collapsed — I can still see the flames coming out."
10 Comments
View all
by Elise Evans, the Lamb, Glynneath
Tuesday, November 11 2008, 10:35PM
“The Lamb and Flag is an iconic building that represents the arae of Glynneath that I have lived all of my life. As a student I worked in the Lamb, behind the Bar when Alan and Ann Jarman owned it back in the good old days during the memorable times when, for example, the Eisteddfodd visited Glynneath, 1992ish I think!!! Those were the best 'Lamb and Flag' days when every Thursday night was like a Saturday night and New years Eve was a real Family Event!!! Still living in the 'Lamb' I have spent time there with my own family, Hubby Sean (also brought up in the Lamb, and once 'flew' into the beer garden-locals will get this pun!) and our two daughters, Shannah and Brooke. It is quite disturbing to watch such good memories go up in so called flames. Lets hope the rumours of rebuilding it is correct rather than the talk of demolition! Lets raise our glasses and toast the memories spent at this memorable and iconic building!!!xxx Elise Evansxxx”
by Helen Davies, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Wednesday, November 05 2008, 2:44PM
“Such a terrible thing, I'm so sorry for everyone.
I stayed there in 1989, and it has always been my landmark when I go back to Wales to visit my daughter and her family.
A terrible tradegy it was a wonderful building, thank goodness everyone was safe.”
by lindis and ian, maesteg
Wednesday, November 05 2008, 9:47AM
“had many a fine meal there and good welcome from irene and chris. glad your both ok , our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.”
by Sam, Glynneath
Wednesday, November 05 2008, 12:22AM
“I worked in the Lamb & Flag for the best part of 5 years. I loved the place more than could be written. It really is the landmark of the village and I know that I can speak on behalf of all the regular customers when I say that we are all heartbroken!! This wasn't just a building to us, wasn't just a job to me, it was our meeting place for our own little family, we all had brilliant memories in there and it is heartwrenching to think that this is it. I sincerely hope that it will be re-built because the place and the people won't be the same without it. I am very glad that nobody was hurt and my heart goes out to Irene and Chris, who have just lost everything. Behind the bar was like my own little stage, it was where I came to life, where I was at my most confident and happiest. An absolutely horrible tragedy.”
by Rebecca Lane & Craig Griffiths, Glynneath
Tuesday, November 04 2008, 5:14PM
“we couldnt believe it happened to this lovely pub, when we moved here last here Irene & Chris were so friendly to us they made us feel at home, we'r glad nobody got hurt but its the worst thing that could happen to two lovely people, we hope they can rebuild it, its the heart of glynneath”