A pub landlord is delighted to have his bar buzzing once more after a major fire forced it to close its doors.

An Easter Monday blaze had punters and staff fleeing The Castle , in High Street, Harrow on the Hill, after a tumble dryer caught fire on the second floor in the living quarters of the building.

No one was hurt but the historical pub was shut for six days, and is only now back on its feet and bustling again.

John McKay, manager of The Castle, said: “We saw the beginnings of the fire but everyone was evacuated quickly, safely and, thankfully, unscathed.

“It left us closed but not for too long as there was little damage to the mainframe of the building.”

Mr McKay added: “We are delighted to be back, and once again would just want to thank the incredible firefighters for their efforts and hard work.”

The pub is owned by Fuller’s brewery.