A devastating fire broke out at the historic Hare & Hounds pub in Aberthin, Wales, on Thursday morning, leaving the community in shock.
The historic Hare & Hounds pub in AberthinWales, became the site of a dramatic fire on the morning of June 11, 2026. The blaze, which started around 8:30amquickly engulfed the 300-year-old establishment, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and drawing the attention of emergency services and the local community.
The pub, a cherished landmark in the Vale of Glamorganhas been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for centuries. Its recent renovation by local chef Tom Watts-Jones and his wife, Sarahhad earned it accolades such as a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide and recognition among the UK’s best pubs by the Good Food Guide.
The Fire and Emergency Response
The fire was first reported to the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at approximately 8:30am. Crews from various stations, including BridgendLlantwit Majorand Barrywere dispatched to the scene. They arrived to find a two-storey public house measuring 20X10m with flames spreading between the ground and first floors.
Emergency responders worked swiftly to evacuate all persons from the building and control the blaze. They utilized four breathing apparatustwo 45m jetsone safety jettwo hose reel jetsa thermal imaging cameraand one positive pressure pump to extinguish the fire. The incident was declared under control by around 1:41pmand all emergency services left the scene by 1:30pm.
Community Reaction and Impact
The fire has left the community of Aberthin in shock. Local councillor Charles E.A. Champion described the pub as “the heart of Aberthin,” highlighting its significance to the village. The pub’s management issued a statement expressing gratitude to the emergency services and asking for patience as they assess the damage and plan the next steps.
Andrew RT DaviesConservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, also expressed his concern. “I’m deeply saddened and worried to hear of reports of a fire at the Hare and Hounds,” he said. “The team have worked so hard to create a successful and popular pub at the heart of Aberthin. My thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”
The extent of the damage to the pub is currently unknown, but the incident has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the community. The A4222 in Aberthin was closed during the emergency response but has since reopened.
The Road to Recovery
As the community comes to terms with the loss, the focus now shifts to the future of the Hare & Hounds. The pub’s management has promised to share more information as it becomes available. The support of the local community will be crucial in helping the establishment recover from this setback.
The fire at the Hare & Hounds serves as a reminder of the importance of community landmarks and the resilience of those who cherish them. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the people of Aberthin hope for a swift recovery and the eventual reopening of their beloved pub.
