The blaze has destroyed the thatched roof on the pub

A total of five tenders and 28 firefighters were called to the thatched 14th Century restaurant and bar in Aberthaw, near Cardiff, at around 1015 GMT on Friday.

The roof of the building has been destroyed and one of the kitchens is damaged although the restaurant at the back is unaffected.

Built in 1380, the Blue Anchor was originally a focal point for the once-thriving trading port of East Aberthaw when the now sleepy area was more important than either Cardiff or Barry, and was busy enough to justify a Customs and Excise presence.

The pub has been open for more than 600 years

"As far as we can work out, the fire started in the chimney and spread to the thatch roof," said John Coleman, who inherited the pub from his father before handing it down to his sons, Jeremy and Andrew, when he retired 15 years ago.

"I was in the pub at the time having a cup of tea when two boys who were driving past spotted the fire.

"We called the fire service but by the time they arrived the roof was well alight. "I've pulled literally thousands of pints since we have been here and it is very sad to see it like this."

"The restaurant at the back of the building seems to be unaffected but we have lost one of the kitchens.

"I think the wind helped to speed the spread of the fire and it is just typical that the day we would love to have a bit of rain the sun is shining."

John Coleman's family have run the pub since 1941

Staff employed at the pub gathered near the pub as firefighters tried to dampen down the blaze.

Linda Michael has worked at the pub for the last 22 years, said: "I can't believe it, it is so awful," she said.

The pub is known for its traditional ales, and was once named Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). It also won the award Wales Real Fire Pub of the Year' in 2002.