The Star Inn in Harome caught fire at 10:13pm local time (5:13pm ET) on Wednesday, according to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The restaurant, located in the village of Harome in North Yorkshire, posted information about the incident on social media.
The building dates from the 14th century.
John Giles / PA Images / Reuters
Employees also posted on Twitter.
Fire crews from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service used nine fire engines, aerial ladders and other equipment to fight the blaze, according to a statement.
“The fire in the thatched roof of the building caused extensive damage to the roof and roof space,” it said.
“The crews worked hard to prevent the fire from spreading to the entire thatched roof, meaning one end of the roof and the ground floor were saved from the fire.”
The service confirmed that all occupants were out of the property when crews arrived. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Owner Andrew Pern told BBC Radio York the property “didn’t really stand a chance” when the fire broke out.
“It means a lot,” said Pern of the building, fighting back tears.
Pern said it will probably take about a year until the main dining area can reopen.
The Star Inn at Harome is located on the edge of North York Moors National Park. It received one star from the Michelin Guide, which praises the restaurant’s “chic, classy feel” combined with a “character bar” that gives it the feel of a local pub.
“This is a place that takes pride in the county,” said the guide, praising chef Steve Smith’s ability to use local ingredients “to create rich, delicious dishes, rich in flavor with classic flavors and modern overtones”.
Top image credit: PA Images via Reuters Connect
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