Chestnut to reopen the Three Blackbirds in Suffolk following 2018 fire

East Anglia-based pub group Chestnut is to reopen the Three Blackbirds in Woodditton, Suffolk, two years after the property was devastated by fire.

The 17th-century thatched property near Newmarket will relaunch next month with space for 100 covers across the restaurant, bar, private dining rooms and terrace, and the Barn with nine bedrooms at the back of the pub. The Gun Room will provide a party space on the first floor.

Philip Turner, former banker and founder of Chestnut in 2012, said: "The launch of the fantastic bedrooms, landscaping and upstairs dining areas will breathe new life into the business. The re-build has been a huge effort from local tradespeople and the team at Chestnut – it has also been disruptive to our neighbours, for which we apologise.

“The Three Blackbirds team have been waiting two years to open the doors to their customers – almost there!”

There were no customers in the pub when the blaze broke out in the early hours of 2 March 2018, while all staff escaped unhurt.

Chestnut opened the pub following a £125,000 refurbishment in 2017, with a further £400,000 set aside for the bedroom extension.

The group’s portfolio comprises 10 pubs in Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk.

The Chestnut Group adds two new inns to portfolio