Residents have applauded emergency services after a fire broke out at The Bull Inn in Arborfield Cross.

Firefighters from Wokingham, Whitley Wood, Wokingham Road, Caversham Road, Bracknell, Crowthorne and Windsor were called to the pub at around 4:07am on April 9 following reports of a blaze at the commercial premises.

Despite the less than desirable weather conditions, the crews worked to extinguish the fire which was affecting the outbuilding and the patio area of the pub.

The Environmental Protection Unit from Whitley Wood and the Incident Command Unit from Maidenhead were also sent to the scene.

Jess, a local who witnessed the fire said: “It is so devastating. Everyone is gutted because The Bull Inn is a huge part of the community. We all know the owner and are familiar with the people who work there. Our hearts go out to all of them.

“Although the fire was terrible, I think it could have been a lot worse. It was quite windy last night and if the crews hadn’t worked so fast it could have spread to the pub. The firefighters did an amazing job and they had most of it extinguished in about an hour.

Three officers from Thames Valley Police were also sent to the scene alongside the fire crews where they cordoned off the pub and closed the road to traffic.

At around 6am, Thames Valley Police reported the incident on their TVP Bracknell and Wokingham facebook page to alert members of the public. They said: “Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, along with Officers from Bracknell and Wokingham ICR, are currently on scene at a large fire at The Bull Public House at Arborfield Cross.

“Road closures are currently in place for the safety of the public and to enable a safe working environment for crews on scene. Please avoid the area.”

The fire crews were on the scene for around three hours and 19 minutes.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue said: "Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire affecting an outbuilding, including a large patio area. Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using four hose reels and three main jets, before damping down the area.”

According to the team at The Bull Inn, no damage was done to the pub building and more information about the re-opening will be released in the near future.

The beloved pub, which sits in the heart of the Berkshire village, has recently gone through a major refurbishment after being reopened in Summer 2023 with new owners at its helm.

Improvements include new furnishing, décor and an outdoor area featuring a pizza kitchen, an entertainment area, an outdoor bar, and table tennis table for some family fun.

According to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, the fire has affected the patio area at the rear of the property.