Scores of firefighters tackled a blaze at a pub in Trafalgar Square in “arduous” conditions on Tuesday evening.
About 70 firefighters were initially tackling the blaze at The Admiralty pub - but that number was later increased to about 125 due to “challenging and hot conditions”.
London Fire Brigade said they were called to the blaze at 5.49pm by which time, about 150 people had evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses. There were no reports of injuries.
The fire damaged the sub-basement and basement of the pub. It took until 10pm for the blaze to be brought under control.
Earlier London Fire Brigade said in a statement: “We’ve got 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackling a fire in a pub in Trafalgar Square. Half of the basement is alight.
“Please avoid the area if possible as there will be heavy traffic disruption.”
Crews remained on the scene throughout the night and into Wednesday morning.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
