A VILLAGE pub has had to temporarily close its kitchen following a 'small fire'.

The fire happened yesterday at The Tandem in Kennington, near Oxford.

A man posting on the Kennington Connected residents' Facebook page, understood to be the manager, said: "There was a small fire at the Tandem.

"Most importantly, all staff and customers present at the time are completely fine and unharmed.

"The pub is currently closed for food but the bar area is open as usual."

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Villagers commended the staff for making sure people were safe and expressed their relief that no one was injured.

A later post added that the pub remains closed today, while staff 'await repair works', and that anyone with bookings will be contacted.

The pub in Kennington Road, which is part of the Hungry Horse group, was refurbished last year.

Staff did not state how extensive the damage was, nor how the fire started.