Above photo 2008, by Steve Thoroughgood.

Above photo 2008, by Steve Thoroughgood.

Above photo 2018.

From the https://www.newsshopper.co.uk 31st August 2015, By Josie Griffiths.

Nearly 100 firefighters tackle Welling pub blaze.

Nearly 100 firefighters were tackling a blaze at a pub in Welling - which seven people escaped uninjured.

London Fire Brigade were called to the fire on Bellegrove Road at 9.24am yesterday (Aug 31) - whilst Met Police were also on the scene.

The Newcross Turnpike, a Wetherspoon pub, was partially destroyed in the blaze, with a Wetherspoon spokesman confirming it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The blaze was finally brought under control at 1.17pm - although fire crews remained on the scene dampening down the building.

Half of the pub's first floor and a large section of the pub's roof was alight.

Fire in Welling at The Weatherspoons pub right next to our house! Scary stuff!!

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The fire at The New Cross Turnpike is currently being investigated by the Fire Brigade and Wetherspoon.

"The most important factor is that no one was injured as a result of the fire.

"We would like to thank the firefighters for their sterling work and also applaud the duty manager and his staff for ensuring that staff and customers were evacuated safely.

Picture: June Fraser.

"At present there is no date for the reopening of the pub.

"All staff at the pub will be employed at other Wetherspoon pubs in the area."

Marne Avenue resident Gemma Cussens told News Shopper: "I could see the smoke two streets back from my bedroom window.

"It was scary seeing a fire so close to home.

Picture: Nigel Betts.

"The fire was quite big and massive flames were coming from the back of the pub, along with loads of grey smoke."

The 24-year-old added: "It must of been a bad fire as the firemen were there for a good few hours.

"My friend works in the pub, but luckily wasn't there that day.

"I will have to find a new local for a while."

Picture: Nigel Betts.

Station manager Martin Freeman, who was at the scene, said: "Staff at the pub had a lucky escape as they heard the smoke alarm sound, left the pub and alerted the Brigade.

"I can’t stress how important smoke alarms are, you should have one on every floor of your property and test them regularly.

"Thanks to the alarm, seven members of staff were able to leave the building in good time but had they not had an early warning there could have been a very different outcome.”

Some 15 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms are at the scene - from stations including East Greenwich, Plumstead, Erith, Lee Green, Eltham, Deptford and Bexley.

The cause of the fire is potentially suspicious, and now under investigation.

Bellegrove Road was closed whilst emergency services tackle the blaze - with motorists warned to expect delays.