The fire-stricken Pier House Hotel in Charlestown is set for a refurbishment costing "millions" that will take it to the next level, brewery bosses revealed to applauding residents at a meeting yesterday (March 14).

The business will re-open on March 29, offering limited pub grub and drinks throughout the summer season before closing for a major refurbishment in the autumn.

A major fire on January 20 caused significant damage to the historic hotel and inn, especially at the rear in the kitchen and dining area, and some of the 27 rooms.

St Austell Brewery representatives shared their plans with the local community at the Rashleigh Arms last night. Chief operations officer Andrew Turner, area manager Helen Sprason and commercial director Paul Harbottle addressed residents who had been invited by letter. Their plans were well received, with much applause.

Speaking to The Voice ahead of the meeting, Mr Turner confirmed that the pub will close after the summer, at a date to be confirmed but likely to be end of September or beginning of October, for a full refurbishment – at an estimated cost running into “millions” - over several months and a reopening date scheduled for around Easter 2024.

The front of the property, and the Harbourside bar next door, suffered smoke and water damage but remain structurally sound. These have been redecorated, carpeted and refurnished, and will reopen in a low-key manner at 5pm on March 29. “What was a big pub might now appear very small,” warned Mr Turner.

While part of the kitchen was damaged, the part that wasn’t will be used as a temporary kitchen to produce a menu of “great but simple food” that will be served using takeaway-style crockery and cutlery due to a lack of washing-up facilities. Drinks will continue to be served in glasses, using the glass washer in the bar.

Refurbishment plans are still under discussion. “This significant spend will not just restore the building to its former glory, but take it to the next level as an amazing pub with rooms that we, and the community, can be proud of,” said Mr Turner. “It’ll be a balance of keeping its heritage and authenticity while making it something really special.”

The brewery debated whether to keep the hotel closed until fully refurbished. Given its Grade II listed status, as one of the first buildings to be erected in this china clay and fishing port, this will involve consultation with English Heritage and Cornwall Council, and as such will take time – hence the decision to reopen on a limited basis.

“The engagement we have had since the fire points to the fact that locals love the pub and the building,” said Mr Turner. “Like many pubs, it’s part of the community. In Cornwall, we can be reliant on visitors, but there are people who live here all year round, and they are as important if not more so than those who come for the summer.

“That’s why we want to engage with the public, keep them informed and give them an opportunity to share their views on the future of the pub.”

Pier House staff have been deployed elsewhere in St Austell Brewery pubs, and the majority will return to Charlestown on March 29.

Carol Hicks from Boscoppa was among those at the meeting, and recalled working at the Pier House for 17 years: “It only had 12 bedrooms and the Harbourside was still a garage.” She described the brewery plans as “very good,” adding: “I was very stressed to see it destroyed by the fire, but glad no one was hurt.”

Stan and Rosemary Paradowski from St Austell were also there. “I thought it was nice of them to explain what their plans were,” said Stan. “We were very upset about the fire – our daughter was working at the Harbourside when it happened, so we heard about it from her.

“I’ll be back there as soon as it opens, because it’s my local. I like it down there - it’s where our fraternity drink.”