Cocktail bar and restaurant proposed for former Zizzi building in Newark, The Ossington

Newark could soon have a place to dine and drink cocktails in one of the town’s most historical buildings.

Home to Zizzi before it shut its doors for good after the first coronavirus lockdown in March last year, a new application has been lodged for The Ossington on Beastmarket Hill.

If approved, the new venue would be a welcome addition to the town and many Newarkers who enjoy a good night out — particularly as the country emerges from the pandemic.

The application received on April 22 states there are proposed internal alterations consisting of the removal of modern partitions and fixtures.

This would include the removal of the bar and construction of new partitions, balustrading and fixtures on the ground floor to form a new cocktail bar and restaurant.

The Grade II* listed Ossington dates from 1881 when Charlotte, Viscountess Ossington, proposed a new café or coffee tavern in Newark.

The purpose of the coffee house was to promote the cause of temperance and lure farmers away from the town’s public houses.

The building has been used as a stables, a hotel and a base for military personnel during both world wars.

The agent for the cocktail venue application is Newark-based Guy Taylor Associates but, currently, the client is unclear.