ONLOOKERS have described the fire that ripped through a pub in Nether Stowey as being 'like a horror movie.'

Crews tackled a huge blaze in the roof of the George Hotel, on St Marys Street, on Tuesday November 24 from 5:45pm onwards.

Firefighters from Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, Williton and Taunton, with six engines and a command unit, rushed to the scene.

Gordon Cross was enjoying a drink in the pub next door- the Rose and Crown- when the drama unfolded.

He described the fire as 'horrific.'

"I was in the Rose and Crown when Tracey, the landlady, said she could smell smoke," said Gordon.

"Someone said the George was on fire and we ran outside.

"This was at about half past five and we didn't realise just how bad the fire was until we saw it from the front- it was horrific.

"The whole roof was alight- there were people in the George at the time but I don't know how many.

"It was lucky it happened in the day.

"The fire was very scary to see- it was like something out of a horror movie.

"It's very sad for Nether Stowey.

"The landlord, Bill, has so improved that pub over the last few years and all his hard work has literally gone up in flames.

"We don't know how it started- maybe electrical or the landlord was saying it was the first time he lit the log burner."

The Rose and Crown was closed the following day whilst a risk assessment was carried out.

How long the George Hotel, which is leased by Bill Preston, will be shut for is currently unknown and will depend on the extent of the damage.

Tracey Hayes, landlady of the Rose and Crown, said: "I heard there was a fire next door and everyone just panicked.

"We had no idea what the situation was like until we got outside.

"I got the dogs and the parrots out and turned the gas off.

"The fire brigade were just pouring water everywhere and we've subsequently had some damage so needed things sorting with insurance.

"It's such a shame and a big shock- the whole back of the George is ruined.

"Nobody knows what caused it."

Katie, who works in the Rose and Crown, said: "The whole thing was awful.

"I got here just after it happened and the fire was horrific.

"There were about seven fire engines and at one point they thought they were going to run out of water.

"It was so surreal and you just don't expect it to happen so close to home.

"The fire brigade said we were very lucky and if they'd been called just five minutes later, both pubs would've gone up in flames.

"They did a great job and don't get praised enough for what they do."