Bar plan for former Southwell bank
An independent brewery could open a restaurant and pub in a former town centre bank.
Blue Monkey Brewery has applied for permission to change the use of the former Natwest bank on Church Street, Southwell.
If approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council it will apply for permission to fit out the building.
Blue Monkey is an independent brewery with four pubs in the East Midlands, including The Organ Grinder in Newark and The Waggon and Horses, Bleasby.
In its planning statement, the brewery said it wanted to keep the overall character and appearance of the building and would make only minimal changes to the inside and exterior.
It said: “The proposal will retain the existing buildings in a sympathetic manner that respects the existing charm and character, to create a scheme that enhances the setting of the site.”
The banking hall would be transformed into a bar and the large office at the rear would be turned into a restaurant.
Another room at the back of the building would be the kitchen.
Natwest closed on Wednesday last week as part of a nationwide programme of branch closures.
Southwell Town Council’s planning committee was due to discuss the application last night.
'We look forward to its opening'
Mr Andrew Birkhead, chairman of the Newark and District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said the branch was delighted with the application.
He said: “It will be good to see an old and interesting building put to new use rather than let it remain closed and become run- down in the centre of Southwell.
“Blue Monkey brews are multi-award- winning real ales and we look forward to the real ciders and perries.
“It is always interesting to try food that will complement these beverages.
“We feel that this proposal will complement the existing real ale and cider pubs in the middle of town and look forward to its opening.”
Mr Robert Beckett, of nearby shop AJ Beckett’s, said it would be a good use of the building.
“It is a crying shame the Natwest bank has closed but I totally understand it because that is the way people want to bank nowadays.
“It’s a magnificent building, which has a mirror image on its right-hand side, a private residence, and it would be inappropriate for any use to affect the residence, which is an asset not only to Southwell but also the Church Street scene.”
Mr Beckett said the building was in a historic part of Southwell and whatever happened to it needed to be carefully considered.
A spokesman for Blue Monkey Brewery declined to comment on the application.
