Backing for bar despite objector’s Hull fears

A new coffee and cocktail bar in Beverley that hopes to “be a part of the progression of Wednesday Market” has been approved, but an objector claims it will turn a traditional Yorkshire town square into a place “like Hull’s Princes Avenue”.

East Riding Council approved the application for Garnish, in the former Browns greengrocers in Wednesday Market.

Applicant Adam Cooper told councillors the venue would focus on showcasing locally-produced food and drinks and would help reinvent Wednesday Market as some traditional businesses there close.

But Beverley resident and objector Howard Bryan claimed the plan risked spoiling the character of the area.

The application approved by councillors stated Garnish plans to serve teas, coffees, soft drinks and alcohol along with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Coopersbars Ltd’s application stated it planned to eventually offer outdoor seating and stage occasional live music performances. Councillors heard any outdoor seating would require separate approval of a pavement licence application.

There are also plans to occasionally host DJs, the application stated. It would open from 7am to just before midnight, seven days a week.

Mr Cooper told councillors the sale of alcohol intended to complement the venue’s other offerings, though customers would be able to visit and just go to the bar. He added the objections were about the culture of bars generally rather than Garnish specifically.

He said: “Our emphasis will be on local food suppliers and on the local community of Beverley. We’d like to reassure people that the premises will be run in a professional and considerate manner, as a business we’ve won awards for the way we’ve run other venues.”