A popular Wolverhampton pub has issued a statement after a dramatic incident where part of the ceiling reportedly fell during a busy festive evening, covering the interior in dust and debris.
Eyewitness Account of the Sudden Collapse
Alan Singh, a 35-year-old from Oldbury, was enjoying a drink with friends at The Giffard Arms on December 22 when the unexpected event unfolded. He described how, without warning, the room was suddenly filled with a cloud of dust. "Out of nowhere, this ceiling just went, but to us, we didn't know what happened," Alan said. "It was like a blink of an eye, and it's smoke in the room."
Footage captured by the content creator shows sections of plaster and wallpaper from the roof scattered across the venue's floor and tables. Following the collapse, Alan claims staff quickly moved everyone outside, where they waited for approximately 45 minutes before being allowed back into the front section of the establishment.
Landlady's Response and Safety Reassurance
Wendy Shone, the landlady of The Giffard Arms, has publicly addressed the incident, emphasising that the safety of her customers is 'paramount'. She confirmed that no one was hurt when the material came down. Speaking to BirminghamLive, Wendy clarified the nature of the debris, stating, "There was no plasterboard that fell or that the ceiling had not long been replaced. As you can see from the footage, it was a section of wallpaper and plaster."
She added that all members of the public were checked over before the pub reopened later that same evening. Wendy also noted that Alan did not report any injuries to staff at the time, despite door staff being available in the garden to reassure and check on the welfare of customers.
Aftermath and Continued Operations
The incident, which caused a temporary disruption to the festive night out, has been resolved with no lasting physical harm. The pub's management acted swiftly to ensure guest safety and assess the situation. This event highlights the unpredictable nature of maintaining older building structures, even in well-frequented local venues. The Giffard Arms continues to operate, having managed the immediate aftermath and communicated transparently about the circumstances.
