Firefighters called to chimney fire at Winchester pub The Wykeham Arms

Crews from Winchester and across Southampton were called to The Wykeham Arms in Kingsgate Street shortly after 5.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Teams had to work swiftly to prevent it from spreading to the roof of the pub and hotel - which is sandwiched between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College.

The historic venue reopened as normal today and confirmed no damage was done aside from a small amount of water that leaked into the pub.

A spokesperson for Fuller's, the brewery chain which owns the pub, said: "Everyone was very quickly and safely evacuated. We'd like to give our thanks to the fire brigade for their very swift response."

Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera for monitoring and one hose reel to put the fire out.

Part of the road was taped off while crews dealt with the incident | Credit: Kate Raines (Image: Kate Raines)

Chiefs gave the stop message at around 7.20pm and a further reinspection was carried out at 9.30pm, with the incident then handed over to the pub manager.  

Winchester resident Kate Raines was out walking at the time of the ordeal and described seeing yellowish-grey smoke "billowing" from the pub and hotel, which could be spotted as far as The Square.

When she arrived on the scene she said a small group of people were standing outside the building waiting for crews to arrive.

Having passed back through on her return from the water meadows, Ms Raines said part of the road was taped off while firefighters extinguished the flames.

Some people who were booked to stay in the pub's hotel rooms were found alternative accommodation, although it has since been confirmed everything is back to normal. 

The Wykeham Arms recently underwent a four-week refurbishment in an effort to "refresh" the interior for its customers.