Bosses at the fire-gutted Ingham Swan in north Norfolk are hoping to re-open by the end of next year.

Eastern Daily Press: Before the fire. The Ingham Swan, Ingham. Picture: PJBAYFIELD/TIMESNIPER.COMBefore the fire. The Ingham Swan, Ingham. Picture: PJBAYFIELD/TIMESNIPER.COM (Image: Timesniper.com)

Flames engulfed the 600-year-old historic building and a neighbouring cottage on September 11.

At its height, more than 45 firefighters were called to tackle the fire. The flames were so intense they even cooked food in the kitchen's fridges.

The Grade II listed property is painstakingly being rebuilt and owner Gregory Adjemian said: 'It's now fully secure.

'I'm excited by the design and specifications and the restoration will significantly improve the Swan.

'We are not changing any of the structure. It's being re-modelled to keep the same feel and experience, however with key improvements planned.

'We will be adding more rooms and improving the entrance, but not the look.

'While we expect to be open in 2019, we remain optimistic that, with the right team of contractors, we could reopen by the end of next year.'

He said the full rebuild would cost a seven-figure sum.

He added: 'We are keeping all of it, and it will look the same as it did before. When you drive by when it's finished there will be the thatched roof and the structure will be the same, but it will be completely modernised.

'We remain positive about the future and are focussed on developing our team. Our key staff will be sent to award-winning restaurants around the country to improve their culinary skills. Our chef patron Daniel Smith will visit London eateries to get new ideas.

'The award-winning team from the Swan has been successfully relocated to its sister restaurants, Warwick St Social in Norwich and to the Wildebeest at Stoke Holy Cross.

'They have been able to introduce key dishes from the Ingham Swan at those venues, to keep the Swan energy and expertise alive. The team plans to host pop-up events in 2018 at numerous locations.'

The Town House, next-door to the Swan, was also destroyed in the blaze. Mr Adjemian understands that its owners, Tom and Sarah Scott, also plan to restore their home.