Renovations are set to begin at a pub in Burnley after a fire broke out last year.

A fire destroyed The Turf Pub, in Yorkshire Street, on August 31, 2023. 

Philip James is the co-director of AJP Pub Group, a group that manages The Turf and other pubs across Lancashire.

After paying the mortgage and running costs for 13 months, Philip said renovations are set to begin later this year after the team finally received payment from an insurance company.

The Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last yearThe Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last year (Image: Philip James/John McDonald/ AJP Pub Group)

Philip said: “After 13 long months of the Turf being closed after a fire, and us being instructed not to touch the pub, we are hopeful we can make a start in the coming months refitting the venue. 

“We finally received our first payment today from the insurance company after 13 months of absolutely nothing and still having to pay the mortgage and running costs.

The Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last yearThe Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last year (Image: Philip James/John McDonald/ AJP Pub Group)

“This payment which is classed as an interim payment was for the loss of earnings. Thankfully it’s not our only business, so we could support the costs.

"We are hoping to receive the go-ahead to start work in the next couple of months.

The Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last yearThe Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last year (Image: Philip James/John McDonald/ AJP Pub Group)

“Everything needs ripping out and starting again. It’s been a tough few months.

“We will dance again under the culvert. Thanks for all your patience, from everyone at AJP Pub Group.”

Firefighters spent around six hours tackling the blaze last August.

The Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last yearThe Turf in Burnley was destroyed by a fire, last year (Image: Philip James/John McDonald/ AJP Pub Group)

According to a statement, the pub was “destroyed” by the fire but all staff and tenants were unharmed.

The fire service concluded its investigation last year and said the fire was accidental. Its statement said the blaze was caused by an extraction fan which caught fire at the premises.