When fire broke out in Orange Tree pub in King Street

In 1994, firefighters were called to King Street after a blaze broke out at the Grade II-listed Orange Tree pub. The fire quickly spread through the upper floors and into neighbouring retailer Aggett's, causing extensive damage and bringing traffic to a standstill as emergency crews battled the flames.

The 17th-century pub suffered severe damage, with much of its roof and upper storeys destroyed. The fire was believed to have started accidentally during building work at the rear of the premises. A beam is thought to have continued smouldering after a light was believed extinguished, while the building's historic timber frame allowed the blaze to spread rapidly.

The blaze, which took hold of the upper floors, was believed to have been started while building work was taking place. (Image: Hereford Times)

But the ordeal was far from over for those affected.

Just a week after the fire, thieves targeted a flat above the damaged buildings and stole cash from the pub's cigarette machine. They also broke into Aggett's, making off with more than £500, a pair of handmade jodhpur boots and a set of SAS blazer buttons.

Speaking at the time, owner Mr Aggett said: "We do feel a bit grim. It seems to be getting worse as each day goes by."

The fire had left Aggett's unable to trade from its King Street premises, forcing the business to relocate temporarily to Broad Street. Thousands of pounds worth of formal wear was ruined by smoke damage, and the company spent months recovering before reopening.

The business later entered a new chapter in 2000 when Bill Child and his daughter Carolyn acquired Aggett's from Mr Aggett as he prepared for retirement. It was subsequently rebranded as Bill Child Formal Wear.

Terence Aggett visits builders restoring his shop in 1995. (Image: Hereford Times)

The Orange Tree also recovered from the blaze and eventually reopened. Over the years, the historic pub has undergone several changes in ownership and management. For a period it traded under the name The Fire Fly before reverting to its original title.

The venue hit the national headlines in 2021 when then-landlord Brian Doyle introduced a controversial dress code banning sportswear, hoodies, tracksuits and Stone Island clothing.

Today, the pub is owned by Black Country Ales and has been run by Malcolm and Kathleen Fry for the past two years.