It's one thing for your business go up in flames, it's another to be stuck in paradise for a week unable to get home and see the damage.

But that's what happened to Rob and Gilli Palmer on 31 March when the Manor Farm pub on Lady Lane, Haydon Wick caught fire, gutting the 300 year old farmhouse, but leaving the new extension untouched.

They were on holiday with friends in the Gambia and the only flight back was a week later. And even then they were delayed by a further 27 hours because of a faulty aircraft. "At least we were able to get all the emotional stuff out of the way with help from our friends," said Gilli. "By the time we returned we were ready to face the wreckage and get the business back on its feet. Our assistants Helen and Steve were wonderful and with the brewery were well on the way to reopening in the extension. Everything was deep cleaned, the extension was redecorated and a temporary toilet block brought in. We were closed for just two weeks."

However Rob and Gilli, knowing they were going off to the humidity of the Africa, had taken very little with them. "All our possessions went up in flames," she said. "Being a bit of a hoarder, it's a strange feeling not to have anything. But seeing how little the Gambians have, it made us appreciate what we have got."

Rob and Gilli say that nothing has changed. The Manor Farm still has the friendly atmosphere of it is well know for, with an interesting menu and enticing specials. It's well worth a visit on a summer's evening, lunchtime or at the weekend.

As it is listed, the building is being restored exactly to how it was. Work should be completed by the autumn.