A three-story pub in Fareham has been destroyed after a fire ripped through the historic Victorian building.
Roughly 50 firefighters have worked through the morning to tackle the blaze at The Osborne View on Hill Head Road after an alarm was raised just before 2.30am.
No guests were staying in the hotel and all staff have now been evacuated from the establishment. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines and two water carriers were at work to put out the fire.
The upmarket pub and restaurant built during the Victorian era offers stunning views across the Solent and towards the Isle of Wight.
It was also regularly frequented by Sir Alf Ramsey – the manager who guided England to victory at the 1966 World Cup – during the 1960s.
People are being advised to avoid the Hill Head Road area due to there being a large number of emergency vehicles. Residents are also being told to keep their windows shut due to the thick smoke.
Matt Kearsey, Managing Director at Hall & Woodhouse, which runs the pub, said: ‘A serious fire broke out at the Osborne View Hotel in Fareham in the early hours of this morning (Thursday February 22).
‘Thankfully, all team onsite evacuated before coming to any harm. The wellbeing of all those affected is our primary concern and we will be providing support and reassurance to all those who require it.
‘Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were quickly in attendance and are helping to bring the fire under control. I would like to pass on my deepest gratitude to the emergency crews for their swift action and bravery.
‘We will be supporting the emergency services fully in any forthcoming investigation into the cause of the fire.’