A popular pub in Acton that was forced to close after a fire tore through it minutes into New Year's Day will reopen next month following extensive refurbishment.
The Aeronaut, in High Street, known for its exotic circus and cabaret shows, had its New Year's celebrations cut short just 30 minutes into 2017 after a huge fire broke out in the building.
More than 300 people and 12 staff were evacuated from the pub during the blaze and six people had to be rescued from the first floor by a ladder.
After almost a year of rebuilding the pub will be reopening on Thursday November 30, with a huge party to celebrate - which all of its New Year's Eve party-goers are invited to attend for free.
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The quirky pub, which has elaborate carnivalesque gardens, will host events throughout the weekend, showcasing some of the best circus, cabaret and comedy acts as well as DJs and food.
On top of the wide variety of acts, there will be stiltwalkers roaming the pub and organisers even say “the guy collecting the glasses might well backflip out of view”.
New TV show La La Bar, which will host its own Tarantino nights on December 8 and 9, will be fleshing out the bar team with all sorts of performers throughout the weekend.
Following the refurbishment, the Aeronaut will be returning with the UK's first pub-based combined immersive and virtual reality games set up.
Dene Stevenson, the pub's general manager, said: “We promised that the show would go on and we are overjoyed that work has continued at 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 from across the capital and beyond.
“We've also taken the opportunity to redesign the seating, so our customers can get an even better view of the breathtaking acts from our talented performers.”
With a new range of craft beer, “exciting enhancements to the garden and bar area”, and the return of the Aeronaut's sharing menu, the pub will “return with a bang” according to Mr Stevenson.
The general manager added ahead of the November 30 launch: “We were touched 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 the local airman, George Lee Temple, upon whose pioneering spirit the pub is based, we are proud to announce the Aeronaut is lifting off again.
“This time the ride will be more thrilling than ever.”
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