**Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg Forced to Close Indefinitely Following Significant Fire Damage**
A cherished Newport public house, The Tredegar Arms in the Bassaleg area, has been compelled to shut its doors to patrons after a fire caused considerable destruction to the historic building last week. The incident occurred late on the evening of Friday, 2 May, and saw swift emergency response and evacuation of customers and staff.
According to eye-witnesses, smoke began billowing into the night sky around 10pm, quickly alerting nearby residents and those inside the pub to the emergency unfolding. Local resident Sarah Symonds, who lives close to the Caerphilly Road establishment, recounted the dramatic scene. She described how the acrid smell of burning caught her attention even before she reached the site. Most notably, she reported that the fire was so fierce that the ceiling on the premises gave way, collapsing into the floor below and plunging the building into darkness.
As the fire intensified, local fire crews and police officers descended upon the scene, working quickly to divert traffic and safeguard the area. Symonds remarked on the scene outside, with relieved but shocked regulars gathered in clusters, sharing updates and anxiously watching the unfolding emergency. “The most important thing was ensuring everyone was safely out – and from what I was told, all the customers and staff escaped unharmed,” she said. Remarkably, even the pub’s beloved dog, Ellie, was rescued and emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
In the days following the blaze, the management team at The Tredegar Arms released a public statement. They confirmed that the pub would remain closed “until further notice” as they worked in collaboration with the venue’s owners, Greene King, to assess the extent of the fire damage and begin the lengthy repair process. Their announcement prioritised gratitude, expressing thanks to the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their rapid action, and to all customers present at the time for their cooperation during the evacuation.
While the root cause of the fire is still under formal investigation, pub representatives have indicated that initial suspicions point to an electrical fault, possibly originating from a utility box situated near the entrance. A full report from fire officials is expected in due course.
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service shared that their teams responded to the incident shortly after 10pm on the night in question, dispatching crews and vehicles from several local stations including Malpas, Risca, Duffryn, and Maindee. They utilised a range of firefighting equipment, including breathing apparatus, hose reels, and specialist ground monitors, to bring the flames under control and prevent the fire from spreading further.
The Tredegar Arms has been a longstanding fixture in the Bassaleg community, renowned for its family-friendly environment, children’s play facilities, and live sports screenings. The news of its closure has prompted an outpouring of support and sadness from local residents, many of whom emphasised their relief that there were no injuries amid the chaos.
For now, the immediate priority remains ensuring the structural safety of the building and determining when, or if, it can reopen in the future. Regulars and newcomers alike await further updates, hopeful that the pub’s doors will not remain closed for long.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by electrical faults, and the critical importance of vigilant maintenance and emergency preparedness in public venues. As the community rallies around staff and managers, many are optimistic that with time and support, The Tredegar Arms will once again serve as a gathering place for friends, families, and visitors.
Further information and updates are expected from the pub’s management and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in the coming weeks, as the clean-up operation continues and the cause is officially confirmed.