The landlords of a pub in Bulwell were left stunned when they walked outside and saw 'a bouquet of flames from the rooftop'.
Firefighters from across the county were called to The Oxford as a fire ripped through its roof.
Andy and Deborah Saylor, the couple behind the venue, said repairs had been carried out on the roof when the pub caught fire.
Describing how the dramatic incident unfolded, Mrs Saylor said: “We were inside the pub, just waiting for customers.
“It all kicked off at around 10.30 this morning (Wednesday, January 19).
“We went outside and we saw a bouquet of flames from the rooftop.”
Pictures have shown the pub well alight.
The married couple said they weren't sure how the fire started.
But Mr Saylor said the incident had scuppered the pub's revamp.
"We had the first floor refurbed and we were just waiting for the rooftop to be done."
Three fire engines were called out to the incident.
Highbury Road had been cordoned off but has now reopened.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to a building fire.
Local businesses said they were relieved no-one was injured.
Debbie Herr, 56, the owner of the Poppy’s flower shop in Highbury Road, said: “It was really bad, serious and shocking.
“I’m glad that no-one was injured.
“I was not here when it happened, but my employee saw it.”
Kirsty Robinson, the owner of the Kirsty’s hair salon in Highbury road, added: “I have seen the flames and it was very shocking. The services responded very quick.
“But it looked very bad - it must have caused a lot of damage.”
Buses had forced to divert while Highbury Road was closed.
In a tweet, Nottingham City Transport said: "Due to an incident on Highbury Road, Yellow 68/69 are diverting via Piccadilly, St Albans Road and Bulwell High Street in both directions.
"Stops on Highbury Road between Piccadilly and Bulwell Bus Station cannot be served."
