“If Lincoln can build tanks, we can restore a pub” – Horse & Groom vows to rebuild after fire
We were saddened to learn that the Horse & Groom in Lincoln was seriously damaged by fire at around 6.30am on Friday, August 15. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the extent of the damage means the pub is closed for the foreseeable future.
Members of the GFC team visited the Horse & Groom only recently and enjoyed its terrace, food and excellent beer, so to see it struck by this devastating fire is a real shame.
The pub is part of the Ever So Sensible Group, which runs a number of popular hospitality businesses across the region including The Duke William Hotel in Lincoln, The Globe and Marquis Wellington in Leicester, and Fothergills in Nottingham.
James Dolan, Ever So Sensible Group operations director, said: “We’re hugely relieved that nobody was hurt in the fire at the Horse & Groom. Walking back into our beautiful pub and seeing the devastation was heartbreaking. The smoke damage is overwhelming; it has reached into every single room of the building. But the outpouring of positive support on social media has truly lifted us.”
He continued: “This response says everything about the Horse & Groom and the incredible city of Lincoln we love and proudly call home. Our priority right now is looking after our team and pushing hard to try to be back as soon as possible.”
James also expressed gratitude to those who responded to the incident:
“We owe enormous thanks to the fire crews and police, who were simply outstanding. Many told us they regularly eat and drink here, which made their efforts all the more humbling. Without their swift and decisive response, I don’t believe the building would still be standing. We also want to thank our managers, Lisa and Alicia, whose quick actions at 6.30am on Friday made a huge difference. Alicia even left her one-year-old with her partner to rush straight here to help.”
Despite the devastation, there’s determination to rebuild:
“We were devastated in that moment, but we’re determined now. Let’s face it, if we can invent and build tanks here in Lincoln, we can definitely restore a pub!”
We add our voice to those wishing the Horse & Groom team the very best. This is a much-loved Lincoln pub, and we hope to see it back open and thriving as soon as possible.
