Time for old pub as it is converted into coffee shop
NEW MEETING PLACE WILL INCLUDE A TAKEAWAY COFFEE AREA
TIME is being called on a famous old pub which is being converted into a coffee shop.
Flat White Kitchen, which has a cafe on Saddler Street, announced it was taking over the lease of the New Inn pub in Durham this year.
The business has been given permission to make alterations to the building on Church Street Head, which will include a new takeaway coffee area.
As well as takeaway coffee, it will continue to serve drinks and offer more food options.
Durham County Council planning bosses approved the plans, saying the refurbishment would “breathe life” into the building without impacting the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
A report to council planner said: “In the recent past the public house has traded poorly and the offers have not met the commercial potential of the site location.
“This in turn has led to low investment in the maintenance of the buildings and external areas.
“Flat White are a local independent company trading two highly successful locations within the city centre. “The addition of the New Inn public house to their portfolio of properties allows Flat White to expand their cafe format to all day drinking/eating with an evening offer increasing the range of goods, services and attractions available to the city’s residents. “This in turn enhances the reputation of the city as a vibrant, dynamic location as an attractive destination for evening economy and tourism.” The report says the reputation of the Flat White brand and footfall from students and staff from the university library and campus leads to the expectation there will “significant demand” for takeaway coffee. It adds: “The takeaway offer is limited to coffee and associated snacks and not hot food or off-site deliveries.”
This enhances the reputation of the city as a vibrant, dynamic location Report to council