Cold Ash pub rises from the ashes

The Spotted Dog, Cold Ash, closed in May after a tumble dryer caught fire and destroyed the kitchen, with six fire crews called to tackle the blaze.
It has since undergone a £250,000 refurbishment, including a complete renovation providing a large drinking and eating area with a refitted kitchen and a new bespoke solid oak bar.
The refurb has also produced a new menu, sourced by head chef John Cowan.
Speaking at the opening landlord, Kevin Dobson, said it felt fantastic to be up and running following three months of continuous work.
He said: “It’s what we have been waiting for a long, long time. I had regulars stopping me in the street asking when I was going to open and now the time has come. We will have a full house, we’re a busy pub anyway. It’s just good to be back doing what we do best.”
'The Dog’ was packed full with locals who had headed to the Gladstone Lane watering hole when it reopened last Friday.
One resident said: “We have been travelling around different pubs and tonight has been long- awaited. It’s lovely to see so many people here, it really shows how much it’s been missed.”
As for the decor she said: “It’s fantastic, it’s just what it needed and does not spoil the character at all.”
And Matthew Galgey said: “It’s amazing to see it open, and nice to see John in the kitchen. Best of luck for the future. I can see this place doing very well and I hope it does.”