Publican Tony Dart said it would take a couple of weeks to clear out the back part of the hotel, which was where the bulk of the damage occurred after the blaze broke out in the kitchen.
He said it was likely the front bar would re-open ahead of the restaurant, which could happen in a few months.
"All these things take time," Mr Dart said. "It's only been two weeks.
The clean-up of the Burwood Inn has started. Picture supplied
"The work is to get the electricity back on, clear out all the rubbish.
"I've been in pubs 40 years, but this is the first time we've had to do anything like this."
After such a long career in the pub game, the Darts were looking to hand over the reins of the hotel when the fire happened.
"We were going to have a little break," Mr Dart said.
"We have a 15-year-old daughter we've never had weekends with.
"That hasn't changed, but we'll keep working to get the pub back up and running."
Licensee Tony Dart watches crews attempt to save The Burwood Inn.Fire crews remain on scene. Picture by Karen MartineEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether.Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakOnlookers at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakDamage at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSW
Other venues have offered work to Burwood staff, including the Sunnyside Tavern, 48 Watt St, and Junction Hotel, while the Mary Ellen Hotel has set aside some regular tables for the "Burwood refugees".
The next steps include sourcing a scope of works from builders, meeting with a heritage architect and forensically cleaning the upstairs area.
Building owner John Palmieri said he doesn't intend to change anything about the pub, and to reconstruct it "as it was".
"The pub has always been big part of the Merewether community," he said.
It is expected to take a few weeks to clean-out the restaurant before the re-build begins. Picture supplied
"It was built in 1875 - it's got 150 years coming up.
"We want to protect the legacy. I take that responsibility very seriously."
Mr Palmieri said it had been "a very challenging period", but like Mr Dart, was relieved no one was hurt and commended the work of firefighters on the day.
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