Star at Harome to reopen this autumn after fire

The Michelin-starred Star at Harome pub in North Yorkshire could reopen this autumn after it was almost destroyed by a fire last year.

The Grade-II-listed venue has been closed since November when a blaze ripped through the thatched, 14th century building.

Writing on Twitter, chef-owner Andrew Pern said the contractor Woodhouse-Barry had been appointed to begin rebuilding the property in the next few weeks.

He wrote: "We are pleased to announce that [Woodhouse-Barry] from Sheriff Hutton, have been appointed to rebuild our beloved Inn. The work starts in the next week or two to be ready for late Autumn reopening, thank you to everyone for their continued support! See you all soon."

The building also suffered water and smoke damage from the fire and no one was harmed in the incident.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately and an investigation is ongoing.

A man interviewed by the police as a voluntary attendee at the beginning of December was released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Pern celebrated 25 years at the Star at Harome last summer. The pub and its proprietors are triple Catey winners, having won Menu of the Year at the 1997 Cateys and the Newcomer Award the following year, while Andrew and Jacquie Pern won Pub and Bar Operator of the Year in 2002.