Owners of much-loved Wigan pub devastated by fire give an update on their plans
The owners of the Grade II listed John Bull Chophouse in Wigan are working to restore the pub to its former glory after a devastating fire, with a fund-raising festival planned for September.
The owners of a popular Wigan pub that sadly caught fire only a few weeks ago have now spoken out about their future plans and fund-raising event.
The blaze engulfed the John Bull Chophouse on Coopers Row in Wigan town centre in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday August 4.
The building is over 500 years old and Grade II listed.
Police later confirmed that a 44-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of Class A drugs. He was then subsequently released on bail.
The community is still reeling from such a great loss, but the devastation is felt most by the owners Victoria and Peter Clark who have owned the pub for the past 20 years.
Before then, the pub was owned by Victoria’s family who had been running it since 1977, making it one of the longest running licensee tenancies.
Peter said: “We’re devastated about the fire, but time is a slight healing process and the longer it goes on the more light you see at the end of the tunnel.
“Everyone has been fantastic and the whole of Wigan rallied around us.
“The fundraising that people have done such as by local musician Joe Astley, Mark Christopher, Michael Pagett at The Wiend and Grant at Grants Bulldog Forge has been brilliant and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
The GoFundMe created by Joe Astley has reached nearly £16,000 and will be used to help pay the staff’s wages.
One particular aspect of the pub which locals were most concerned about was the famous jukebox, which was badly affected by the fire.
However, Sound Leisure, the original makers of the jukebox who are based in Leeds saw the outpour of love for it from locals and decided to help.
Peter said: “The chairman reached out and said how they’d never seen as much love for a machine like this.
“So, they came down, picked it up and took it back to Leeds where they’re restoring it fully and they’re going to give it back to us as it was before the fire.
“Getting a new jukebox just wouldn’t be the same. This is the same one that stood in The Bull and played the soundtrack to so many people’s lives.”
On their rebuild plans, Peter said: “With it being Grade II listed, restoring it takes time.
“But the intention is very firmly that The Bull comes back to how it was. We know it can’t physically be the same, but we don’t want to change what it is. We don’t want a shiny new pub and the important bit is keeping the soul.
“I think realistically we’re probably looking at next March or April, hopefully.”
To help raise more money, The Bullstock Festival will be taking place on Sunday September 6 in Wigan’s Believe Square from 12pm to 10pm.
There will be live rock music from bands who have played at the pub over the years, food and two bars. Tickets cost £15 and are still available with the proceeds going towards the John Bull Chophouse renovation and staff.