One of Gloucestershire's most historic pubs and perhaps the nation's finest example of a medieval galleried inn in Britain has reopened for business.

Closed earlier this year after a devastating fire forced the evacuation of its guests and staff, the three-storey New Inn in Gloucester's Northgate Street has re-opened its doors for the first time.

In something of a soft opening - redecoration of some of the rooms damaged in the fire of Monday, May 7, is yet to be completed, and the traditional bar to the right of the courtyard remains closed, but those in need of refreshment should fear not.

According to Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, which rescued the timber-framed building from potential total destruction, 20 per cent of the roof was damaged in the blaze.

"The café (Grey's Coffee House) is open from 9am to 4pm and we have opened a bar in the rear and we do have some guests," said Deborah Hudson, general manager of the establishment, which dates from 1450.

In all the Dominion Hospitality-owned inn has 36 bedrooms and boasts a nightclub and restaurant.

Grey's coffee house takes its name from the legend that in 1553 Lady Jane Grey was at the inn when she heard the news that would lead to her untimely death.

It is written that she was proclaimed the Queen of England by the Abbott of Gloucester from the gallery of the New Inn. But by 1554 she would be dead and England would have a new queen - Mary.

"We will be having an official opening on September 8," added Ms Hudson, who has been in charge of the business since January. "We still have some rooms to decorate and the roof needs to be completed, and we want to get it right."

Read more: Fire crews praised after blaze evacuates Grade I historic building