Fire crews at the scene this afternoon. Photo Shannon Gillies
Deputy fire chief Wayne Ross, of Glenavy, said when the brigades turned up at the scene, on Redcliff Rd, about 1.30pm, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the property's kitchen which was engulfed in flames.
He said at the time people became aware of the fire, the handful of patrons enjoying the pub were evacuated.
He said there was no risk to life but property was damaged; however, he believed the pub was recoverable.
A New Zealand Fire Service investigator from Christchurch was expected to arrive at the scene today to start an investigation.
Fire crews stayed at the scene to dampen down hotspots into the evening.
