New chapter for pub destroyed in ferocious blaze

The roof is being rebuilt at the Ingham Swan. Picture: Ingham Swan (Image: Ingham Swan)

The Ingham Swan was gutted in September last year by a ferocious blaze, leaving owner Greg Adjemian and chef patron Daniel Smith devastated.

But now, determined to come back stronger, the team have shared footage of the roof of the Ingham pub being restored, as the culinary team head out in search of new recipes.

Mr Adjemian, 39, said: 'The rebuild is going very well, it's on track and is really starting to take shape. The roof beams are now all in place and the aim is to have it completed by mid-August.

'We've set a reopening date for this year - my personal goal is to reopen by October but there are factors which may hold that back.'

The roof is taking shape. Picture: Ingham Swan (Image: Ingham Swan)

Chef patron Mr Smith has been touring the nation to work on recipes which he can bring back to the Ingham Swan menu.

Mr Adjemian, who lives near Ingham, said: 'Dan's been at Morston Hall and is heading to London to work with other award-winning chefs, then he'll work on the menu for the Swan.'

The pub was built in the 14th century, and the business partners are keen to stay true to the features of the Grade II listed property.

Mr Adjemian said: 'We're working with interior designers and a bar designer to improve the flow and experience of the building for our customers. But the council has been great in giving us really credible information as to how we can rebuild it in line with its listing.'

Greg Adjemian and Daniel Smith pictured at the Ingham Swan in 2014. Picture: Whoop Digital (Image: Whoop Digital.)

The owners of the Ingham Swan were able to find their core staff work in their other eateries, the Warwick Street Social in Norwich and The Wildebeest Pub in Stoke Holy Cross.

Mr Adjemian added: 'The best is example of this is Alex Clare, who moved to The Wildebeest. Obviously he's fully committed to The Wildebeest but we'll be rebuilding a new team when the Ingham Swan is rebuilt.

'We're really excited to reopen, and it's been fantastic to have the support of our customers who are always getting in touch on social media.'

More than 45 firefighters attended the blaze in September, which tore through the top of the pub and the adjoining cottage and gallery.

Aerial view of the Ingham Swan after the blaze in September. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Copypright Mike Page, All Rights Reserved Before any use is made of this picture, including dispaly, publication, broadcast, syn)