A pub in the heart of the central Bath community is set to double in size. The Raven’s expansion will see it take over the former Grade II* listed Pritchards estate agents next door to serve the town’s ‘exceptionally unique’ clientele.
The traditional Queen Street pub made national headlines in April when one of the owners, Rod Humphris, clashed with Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer over lockdown restrictions and his ‘failure’ to demand government accounts.
Support for the plans shows the incident has not shaken its popularity, with 10 supporters saying the Raven was a ‘much-loved institution’ which is the ‘heart of the local community’ and a ‘pride of Bath’.
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One supporter said: ‘As someone who has seen Bath through the lens of a tourist, student and now resident for 10 years, The Raven’s unique function as a pub for Bathonians and tourists is very impressive .
“The only issue is usually space to accommodate community groups, rugby fans, locals and students (and that’s not even considering Christmas market shoppers!). An expansion of the Raven would mean more local jobs and more space for people to meet in an independent social hub – that has my full support.
The owner of The Raven pub in Bath Rod Humphris asked Labor leader Keir Starmer to leave his pub last April
The old real estate agencies closed in the summer of 2020 and have since remained empty. New links to the Raven will see them operate as “a single business entity and allow customers and staff to ‘flow’ through both buildings seamlessly”.
Kingsmead councilor Andy Furse said: “I see this as an opportunity to bring the building into use, a welcome addition to Quiet Street and to expand a successful, well thought out and run pub in the town centre.”
The pub will continue to open daily at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. Monday to Friday, midnight on Saturday and 11.30 p.m. on Sunday. Approving the application, planning officers said: ‘The beneficial use of Number 11 Quiet Street, including its upper floors, will provide some benefit to the public. In addition, repairs to the storefront will be guaranteed by condition.
“As the repairs to the facade are a key part of the project which weighs in favor of the proposals, it is essential that these works are delivered as part of the conversion works.” They said the expansion would not have a significant impact on nearby residents.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-23 15:38:06
