A much-loved west London pub, which suffered extensive fire damage on New Year's Day , is set to reopen in late autumn after undergoing restoration work.

The Aeronaut in Acton , known for its exotic circus and cabaret shows, will reopen in time for New Year's Eve after a huge fire broke out in the pub 30 minutes into 2017.

More than 300 people and 12 staff were evacuated from the building during the blaze, with six people having to be rescued from the first floor by ladder.

Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters were at the scene in High Street and a spokesman from London Fire Brigade later said the first and second floor were “gutted by the fire”.

The pub's owners, the Laine Pub Company, have now said it is set to return with some exciting new additions, including the UK's first pub-based immersive and virtual reality games set up.

“We promised that the show would go on,” said Dene Stevenson, the Aeronaut's general manager.

More than 300 people were evacuated when fire destroyed the Acton pub

“We are overjoyed that work is continuing at a pace to rebuild and replace all that was damaged in the fire.

“The pub's 'Big Top' room will once again host the hair-raising aerial shows that have attracted circus goers and cabaret fans week in week out from across the capital and beyond.

“And we have taken the opportunity to redesign the seating, so our customers can get an even better view of the breathtaking acts from our talented performers.”

The Aeroonaut is set to return later this year

Having pioneered virtual and immersive gaming in pubs such as the People's Park in Hackney, the Aeronaut is set to combine the two to create the UK's first pub-based mixed gaming environment.

On top of this, the pub's quirky carnival-esque gardens have undergone “exciting enhancements” and pub-goers will soon be able to enjoy the return of the Aeronaut's popular sharing menu.

Dene Stevenson added: “We were touched by the outpouring of grief and by the messages of support from the Acton community when the pub closed on New Year's Day.

“So for the people of Acton and in celebration of the memory of local airman – George Lee Temple – upon whose pioneering spirit the pub is based, we are proud to announce that the Aeronaut is rising again.

“This time the ride will be more thrilling than ever.”

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