Micro bar and cafe plan for empty corner shop in town

OWNERS OF CITY REAL ALE PUB DRAW UP PROPOSALS FOR NEW HUB

A DISUSED corner shop could be revamped as a new pub and cafe.

The owners of the Blue Boar real ale pub in Leicester have drawn up plans for a new venue in Coalville.

The former Simmy’s Convenience Store, in Meadow Lane, has been empty for more than six months.

Richard Thomas, of the Blue Boar, has applied for planning permission to turn it into a micropub.

In planning documents submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council, his agent, Anthony Thomas, said the new venue would be called The Rock in a nod to the nearby former Forest Rock, which served the area.

Mr Thomas said: “The above property has been empty now for over six months and like all empty properties it is deteriorating.

“This proposal will bring it back into beneficial use at a time when the general retail market is undergoing serious structural change. “That does include the public house sector within that overall market. “The current view is that up to 40 per cent of the pubs that have been closed during the pandemic will never open again.”

He added: “This proposal is to create a niche market micro bar selling cask beers which it is fair to say do not fit the needs of the wider drinks market.

“This is combined with a café serving hot food and drinks which again will perform a community function generating a meeting place which does not currently exist.”

Mr Thomas said there would be no music played in the bar, and it would not have any slot machines.

He added: “The product offer differs from the big chains and that difference generates a loyal customer following.

“The café presents an opportunity for mums to socialise either after the school walk or following a shopping trip to the post office or the Co-op.

“It also provides a lunch opportunity where there is currently nothing on offer.

“There will be pensioners who will have the opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy a lunch together.”

One nearby resident has objected over concerns the new bar will create parking and traffic problems.

Council planning officers are considering the scheme.

This proposal is to create a niche market micro bar selling cask beers... combined with a cafe

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