Firefighters managed to save a pub three minutes before everything was lost, according to the pub owner.

The Plough Sleapshyde pub in Sleapshyde Lane said it is now left with no kitchen after a fire broke out in the early hours yesterday (Sunday, July 7).

Herts Fire and Rescue Service were called to the pub at 4.09am. Crews from St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Borehamwood, Watford, Rickmansworth and Hemel Hempstead arrived and discovered fires in two outbuildings next to the pub.

Thankfully, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire at 5.57am, preventing it from spreading further to the pub which has a thatched roof.

The new kitchen and shed storing area were affected by the fire but a fire door stopped the flames from spreading to the main part of the building - including the bar and restaurant.

The cause of the fire is still unknown but it has been listed as accidental, the fire service said.

The Plough Sleapshyde on Facebook said the pub will be closed at least until Tuesday (July 16) to assess the damage.

The Facebook post read: "We are completely shocked to say that we have had a devastating fire at The Plough early this morning (yesterday) but thanks to the incredible fire brigade we have saved the main building.

"Our fire service saved this pub. They said three more minutes and we would have lost everything and we are truly truly grateful to their bravery and amazing work.

"We clearly have no kitchen left but as soon as the insurers are in we can clean and get the bar re-opened with the outdoor kitchen."