TWO people had to be evacuated after a fire at a ‘superpub’.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of yesterday at the Running Hare on St David’s Park, Ewloe.

The fire caused significant internal damage and rendered the venue out of action as emergency services remained at the scene for much of the day.

An investigation has now been launched to determine the cause of the blaze.

There were no injuries reported.

A 200 metre square area of the ground floor suffered fire and smoke damage and windows were smashed in the blaze.

A spokesman for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “A 40 metre square bar area was damaged by direct burning.

“There was also 200 metre square smoke and heat damage which was confined to the ground floor.

“The incident is currently under investigation.”

Three fire engines from Deeside and Buckley were called to the scene at about 5am.

An area around the premises was cordoned off and a police presence was maintained at the site for much of the day.

Building contractors were on site to board up windows that had been broken in the blaze.

Owned by Marston’s, the £2million ‘superpub’ is run by husband and wife team Gary and Julie Millerchip and led to more than 40 jobs being created when it opened in August last year.

Prior to its opening concerns were raised from residents over issues with parking and its effect on small businesses.

Ewloe councillor Dave Mackie said yesterday it was a well used pub.

The family-friendly pub was granted planning permission in October 2009, providing seating for more than 260 diners as well as a bar and bedsit accommodation.

Pub management were unavailable for comment yesterday.