Pub plans given go-ahead at old restaurant site

A restaurant in Bath that has been closed for more than two years is set to reopen in 2022 as a pub.

The Restaurant Group lost its previous licence for Garfunkel’s after an administrative error when it restructured the business and shut a large number of its sites, mainly Frankie & Benny’s outlets.

It made two applications for the Grade Ii-listed Grand Parade premises - one in its own name and one for pub chain Brunning and Price and secured both.

Minutes from Bath and North East Somerset Council’s licensing subcommittee meeting on July 1 show Empire Building residents who previously feared a “megabar” would be created beneath their age-restricted flats - voiced concerns about noise.

But councillors noted that the previous licences had never been reviewed and said they must not speculate on future uses or issues.

The minutes say: “Members find in the context of licensing today, Covid recovery and the steps taken by UK government to support the hospitality industry, the application as presented demonstrates the premises have and could operate without adding to the cumulative impact already experienced.

“Members therefore find it reasonable, proportionate and appropriate to grant both licences.”

The Restaurant Group previously said it would spend £1million “reenergising” Garfunkel’s. A spokesperson said it was still looking to invest in the premises and it is likely to reopen next year.