Hawley Arms will rise from the ashes, vow heartbroken owners

By Marc Mullen

THE popular Hawley Arms will rise from the flames of the canal market fire.

Landlords left devastated by the blaze have vowed to reopen their doors to drinkers - but it will take at least six months to refurbish the famous boozer.

Ruth Mottram, joint leaseholder with Doug Charles-Ridler and Alan Day, watched in horror as fireman fought to save their iconic pub from Saturday night's inferno.

The three publicans were forced back with the crowd as the flames took over the top two floors of their beloved bar.

Speaking exclusively to the Ham&High, Ms Mottram said: "We were finally allowed to look at the building on Tuesday morning.

"They are not going to pull the building down which is very good news. But there is a lot of structural damage to the top two floors.

"So the positive is that it is not coming down - but the negative is that it is going to be shut for a very long time.

"It is a major blow for us all. But we are trying to stay positive and put all our energies into getting the pub back."

"Our manager who was living above the pub has lost everything, which is really terrible.

"It has been terrible for all our staff as that was what the Hawley was all about. It was a great team and it has been upsetting for everybody."

A spokesman for Greene King, which owns the freehold of the pub, said: "Very sadly, the serious fire in Camden affected the Hawley Arms, which is one of our best-loved pubs.

"We are at least grateful that no one was injured. Our focus is now on supporting Ruth, Alan and Dougie and making sure with them that we do all we can to restore the Hawley Arms to its full glory."

Mighty Boosh funnyman Noel Fielding, who saw the pub burn, said: "It's like a big family so The Hawley will bounce back stronger than ever I'm sure."

marc.mullen@hamhigh.co.uk