According to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the fire broke out at the Star Inn in Harome at 10.13 p.m. local time (5.13 p.m. ET) on Wednesday.
The restaurant, located in the village of Harome, North Yorkshire County, posted about the incident on social media.
This building dates back to the 14th century.
John Giles/PA Images/Reuters
The staff also posted on Twitter.
Firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service used nine fire trucks, an aerial ladder platform and other equipment to douse the blaze, according to a statement.
“The fire that broke out in the thatched roof of the building has caused extensive damage to the roof and roof space,” it said.
“The crew worked hard to prevent the fire from spreading on the thatched roof, meaning that one end of the roof and the ground floor were protected from the fire.”
Service confirmed that all occupants were off the property when the crew arrived. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Owner Andrew Pern told BBC Radio York that the property “didn’t really stand a chance” when the fire broke out.
“It means a lot,” said the building’s Pern, struggling to stop the tears.
Pern said it would probably be around a year until the main dining area could reopen.
Harom’s Star Inn is located on the edge of North York Moors National Park. It received a star from the Michelin Guide, praising the restaurant’s “plush, luxurious feel” combined with a “specialty bar” that feels like a local pub.
“It’s a place that proudly champions its home county,” says the guide, praising head chef Steve Smith’s ability to use local ingredients “enriched with a classical base and modern overtones, To create delicious, flavor-driven dishes.”
Top image credit: PA Images via Reuters Connect
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