The landlord of the Platform Tavern has spoken of the 'overwhelming support' he's received after an electrical fire ravaged the pub and his flat was burgled.
The iconic pub in Town Quay is well on its way to reopening after the community helped Stewart Cross raise £20,000 through an online fundraiser and special gigs around the city, organised by musical acts that have performed at the Platform over the years.
The burglary in November came just a month after the blaze in the early hours of Thursday, October 5, which inflicted £30,000 of damage to the pub which dates back to 1873.
READ MORE: Southampton heroin and crack cocaine drug gang taken down
A 55-inch television, a limited edition Joker oil painting, and other personal valuables were stolen.
Stewart told the Echo: “It's a hell of a way to kick you when you're down but I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve received.
“The fire is everyone’s worst nightmare and it’s been a really difficult time, but people have given up their time to help redecorate and raise money, whether it’s on the fundraising page or the gigs we’ve had.
“It shows the love for the place; we’ve even had support from the British Titanic Society which the pub has strong links to, so we couldn’t have asked for much more really.”
Stewart has battled to keep his home of 26 years from closing for good with the insurance not covering the cost of the damage.
He set up a fundraising page online and approximately £9,000 was raised from that alone – while a one-off concert at The Brook in Portswood Road raised a further £9,200 and another event at The Dolphin raised £850.
Bands performing at The Brook included the Fleetwood Collective – a tribute act to Fleetwood Mac – who were formed at the Platform Tavern.
A third charitable performance at The 1865 music venue on December 22 should help the pub reach its target and to fully reopen again in the new year.
“The smoke damage was throughout,” said Stewart.
“Anything electrical had to be taken out because it becomes a fire hazard if you don’t replace it.”
He added: “I don’t want to put a deadline on anything, but we hope to reopen soon.
“The kitchen staff have all got new jobs – which is fair enough because I couldn’t pay them – we’ve maintained a core group, but we’ll definitely be on the lookout for additional staff.
“It’s been a hell of a year really, but you can only look forward.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel