Fireman’s Arms, the famed Cape Town pub that dates back to 1864, was engulfed by flames in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The pub, which is located on Buitengracht Street, was seen destroyed at about 2.30am and was captured on video by Facebook user Dean Ryan.

What’s left of a Cape Town institution – Firemans Arms (est. 1864). I’m so distraught I can’t even bring myself to play on the irony. So many good times. What a sad day 😥 #FiremansArms pic.twitter.com/q3I4gXcQ4v

— Martin Cloete (@MNCloete) November 21, 2019

The destruction was also captured later on Thursday morning – it appears that the beer garden is the section most damaged, while the interior of the pub was left intact.

Wowzer! @FiremansArmsCT went up in flames last night and an icon of @CityofCT is no more! Very sad! And not a Fireman in sight!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8KUy15yyFQ

— Guy McDonald (@GuyMcDonald) November 21, 2019

The cause of the fire is unknown.

RIP #FiremansArms in @CityofCT pic.twitter.com/n1DWi4UIni

— Dene Botha (@DeneBothaSA) November 21, 2019

This is a developing story; stay tuned for updates.