News: Proposed new Irish bar in Rotherham sees licence application refused

Entrepreneurs hoping to open an Irish bar in a popular area of Rotherham have seen their licence application turned down by Rotherham Council.

Rothbiz reported recently on a meeting of the authority's Licensing Sub-Committee which discussed the proposals from Jaxx Irish Bar Limited.

British bakery chain, Greggs, has expanded at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, to create a bakery and cafe. With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty and was lined up to be converted into a small Irish bar.

Rotherham Council operates a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area which is designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone.

The Cumulative Impact Policy means that there is a presumption that an application in the zone would be refused and the onus is on the applicant to show that the premises are suitable for the area, and to determine how the council's licensing objectives would not be undermined. Usually that is reversed and the onus is on the authority to show how those objectives would be undermined.

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Despite setting out that the new premises would have a capacity of 35 which the applicant said could be controlled and much more manageable, Alan Pogorzelec, Licensing Manager at Rotherham Council, told the meeting that the applicant has failed to address matters relating to noise, and preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance.

The opening hours requested were Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

Objections have been received from residents, the Council's Licensing Authority, Wickersley Parish Council and local councillors.

Applicant Joshua White explained to a recent meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee: "We completely understand the Cumulative Impact Zone, we are Wickersley residents ourselves, so we understand what goes on over the road and what can happen. This is why we are trying to bring a completely fresh idea to the village. Something new, exciting, to create opportunities for locals in terms of job opportunities and live music with opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents, and give them that platform."

Alan Pogorzelec told the meeting: "The intention of the policy is to make it clear that Wickersley is not like a town centre where the infrastructure and resources from the police, ambulance service, other partners are much more focused. That's not the case in Wickersley - the resources available are generally lower than those available in a regular town centre.

"This isn't a desire for me to stop the development and Mr White's dreams and long term plans for business, but what we have to be extremely mindful of is that this policy was introduced for a reason - the impact that premises were having on people in Wickersley, some of whom are clearly concerned about this application."

The meeting minutes now show that members voted to refuse the application for the Jaxx Irish Bar.

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News: Accelerator for ambitious freelancers and founders

Enterprising young people from Rotherham are being invited to take part in a free innovative business accelerator focused on building a personal brand.

The Self-Made in 60 Days programme is running exclusively for people in South Yorkshire aged 18-30 - those already a trading business (running for up to three years) or just thinking about starting.

Free to attend, the programme is a chance to meet like-minded people and established business owners and is delivered mostly online, with just three days in person.

The programme is headed by Sheffield-based Studio Self-Made who have used their experience of business support and helping underrepresented individuals build careers, start businesses and unlock new opportunities. It has been commissioned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and funded by broadband firm Quickline through its social value programme.

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The deadline for applications is Wednesday September 30 with the accelerator starting on October 5. Applications can be made online here.

The website explains: "Personal branding is your reputation by design. In 60 days, we'll help you build a personal brand that puts you in front of the right people so the opportunities come to you. It’s mostly online and just 3 days in person.

"Building a personal brand isn’t about sharing your private life; it’s about strategically sharing your story to humanise your business and help people connect with you.

"This is an interactive accelerator programme for ambitious (and aspiring) freelancers and founders who want to develop a marketing channel that brings leads and opportunities to their business.

"Take part in a mix of online sessions and in-person events in your local area where you get to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and network with established business owners in a relaxed environment (with free food!)."

Studio Self-Made website

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News: Applicants set out Rotherham Irish bar plans in face of opposition

Plans for an Irish bar in a popular area of Rotherham have come up against opposition regarding late night noise and disturbance.

Rothbiz reported in July that a licencing application had been made that would bring an old Gregg's back to life.

British bakery chain, Greggs, has expanded at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, to create a bakery and cafe. With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty.

Jaxx Irish Bar Limited has applied for the sale by retail of alcohol and the provision of late night refreshment, plus the performance of live music and any playing of recorded music.

Documents show that the opening hours requested are Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

Rotherham Council operates a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area which has been designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Objections have been received from residents, the Council's Licensing Authority, Wickersley Parish Council and local councillors.

Applicant Joshua White explained to a recent meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee: "We completely understand the Cumulative Impact Zone, we are Wickersley residents ourselves, so we understand what goes on over the road and what can happen. This is why we are trying to bring a completely fresh idea to the village. Something new, exciting, to create opportunities for locals in terms of job opportunities and live music with opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents, and give them that platform.

"This isn't going to be a case of a rave until 9 o'clock in a morning. We've considered all shops on The Tanyard, were aren't looking to change the dynamic of The Tanyard. We've considered opening times in terms of other bars and restaurants across the road who open a lot later.

"We've taken into consideration, after speaking with near on all of the shops on The Tanyard, to see what we can do to benefit them. It only seems to be the opticians [at 38 Bawtry Road] that are against it. We believe that we are going to bring business into them guys.

"You've got two restaurants [on The Tanyard] - people want to go out for something to eat and then see a bit of entertainment. You've got Shiraz [pizza at 242 Bawtry Road] who is open to 1 o'clock in the morning, I believe, on Fridays and Saturdays - a lot later than us.

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"I understand the argument of late night noise but with Shiraz being open until 1 o'clock in the morning, most people from the other side of the street, leaving The Masons or Olive Lounge are going to get food after their night out. They are already congregating around that area anyway. We are shutting no later than midnight.

"Inside our premises we are having a full soundproof installation done where we are going to minimize noise as much as possible with doors to be closed at all times so that nobody can hear that noise outside. Our live music is not until later in an evening after the shops have closed business for the day. Recorded music is very minimal background noise and during the day we are looking at putting on tea and coffee mornings. We are not just an out-an-out bar where everybody is coming to consume alcohol.

"Regarding complaints about the outside seating area, our thought process is that no alcohol is to be consumed outside of the premises and they'll be door staff on Fridays and Saturdays to enforce this. The area has been designed strictly for smoking and vaping - a contained area a bit like Elif has and Gregg's currently has.

"We have looked at the opposition and taken into consideration opening hours so that we are not participating in late night antics and antisocial behaviour. All of the bars over the road will stay open, we will close at midnight and they are staying open until 2 o'clock.

"As Wickerlsey residents, we want that feel good factor back. It doesn't seem to be those regulars who would go out after work on a Friday anymore. There's nothing aimed for them. We've got a certain target audience. So for example, we've got a couple of acts supporting live music, Frank Sinatra impersonators, performers with an acoustic guitar - it's not all loud, heavy nighttime music. We are going for a completely different feel to bring those regulars back out and be able to get out and give them that environment to be able to enjoy themselves again."

The venue would have a capacity of 35 which the applicant says could be controlled and much more manageable.

Alan Pogorzelec, Licensing Manager at Rotherham Council, explained how the Cumulative Impact Policy means that there is a presumption that the application would be refused and the onus is on the applicant to show that the premises are suitable for the area, and to determine how the council's licencing objectives would not be undermined. Usually that is reversed and the onus is on the authority to show how those objectives would be undermined.

Pogorzelec told the meeting that it was authority's view that the applicant has failed to address matters relating to noise, and preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance. He said: "The intention of the policy is to make it clear that Wickersley is not like a town centre where the infrastructure and resources from the police, ambulance service, other partners are much more focused. That's not the case in Wickersley - the resources available are generally lower than those available in a regular town centre."

He added that other licenced premises nearby have over 20 conditions attached to meet with policy requirements which means that they cannot operate solely as a "vertical drinking" bar and instead be food-led restaurants.

Pogorzelec said: "What we are talking about here is a bar, for people to drink, and that is very different. The conditions could not be adopted by Mr White because his business model is very different.

"This isn't a desire for me to stop the development and Mr White's dreams and long term plans for business, but what we have to be extremely mindful of is that this policy was introduced for a reason - the impact that premises were having on people in Wickersley, some of whom are clearly concerned about this application."

A number of representations were heard at the meeting before members went into a private session to decide on the licence application. A decision is expected to be published in due course.

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News: Krafty Kidz get support in early years

Krafty Kidz has launched in Rotherham, with support from Launchpad, helping young people build confidence, creativity and friendships through hands-on activities.

After spotting a lack of opportunities for children to socialise away from screens, Karen Powell and Jessica Broadbent established the enterprise in Thurcroft in February 2026 offering a range of creative workshops, after-school clubs and family activities. The business encourages children to develop new skills, make friends and explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.

As parents of ten-year-old daughters, Karen and Jess became increasingly aware of how much time young people spend alone at home and rely on technology for entertainment.

Krafty Kidz offers a wide range of creative activities, including slime making, pottery painting, wooden crafts and other engaging projects.

The business runs dedicated sessions for home-educated children, after-school clubs and weekend workshops, helping young people develop friendships and confidence through creative play. It has also become a popular venue for children’s parties, offering a range of craft-based party activities.

Recognising that creativity isn’t just for children, Krafty Kidz also offers adults-only craft evenings.

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Karen and Jessica run Krafty Kidz alongside their full-time careers. Karen owns a beauty salon and balloon business, while Jessica supports children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Together, they combined their professional experience and passion for supporting children to create a business centred on creativity, learning and social interaction.

Karen Powell, co-founder of Krafty Kidz, said: "We wanted to bring groups of children together to socialise and learn new skills. It is a great way for them to get out of the house, interact and make new friends."

As they prepared to launch Krafty Kidz, Karen searched online for support and discovered Rotherham Council’s fully funded Launchpad start-up programme. She joined Launchpad in January 2026 and began working with one of the dedicated business advisors.

Through Launchpad, they received business advice on costs, pricing and customer targeting. They also accessed financial assistance to support their marketing activity, helping them to distribute leaflets and advertise in local publications to raise awareness within the local community.

Karen added: “The support has been amazing. The advisors are so knowledgeable and really guided us along the right path.

“Their support has been immense. I would recommend anyone to get in touch. There are so many ways they can help with starting a new business."

Krafty Kidz Facebook page
Rotherham Launchpad website

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News: Changes at The Garrison as Rotherham restaurant announces closure

An independent restaurant in Rotherham has announced its closure with a "small transformation" planned for later this year.

Elliott Vaughan opened his 1920s themed restaurant, The Garrison at Wickersley, in 2020 after securing financial help from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise. However, within less than seven days, his plans were thrown into jeopardy when, along with the whole of South Yorkshire’s hospitality sector, the restaurant was ordered to close as South Yorkshire entered into Tier 3 lockdown.

The focus is on British inspired local produce plus unique cocktails and proper beers. Drawing on inspiration from the hit TV show Peaky Blinders, whilst giving a nod to the golden age of jazz and the roaring Twenties, Elliott re-imagined the former tearoom, transforming it into a cosy, atmospheric dining experience.

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An update on social media explained that: "The Garrison as you know it will be closing. We will be undergoing a small transformation, and our restaurant will be changing its identity. More details of what will be following will be announced in the next few months."

The premises benefits from planning permission for a change of use from restaurant into a micropub and a decking area to front of the property.

In his post, Vaughan said that the changes are "as exciting as it is upsetting" but added that "this is not a goodbye, but a see you later."

On the state of the restaurant sector, the founder said: "Please keep supporting your local independent businesses. We know it’s tough out there for everyone, and for the hospitality guys, we are all feeling your pain.

"First the Conservatives and then Starmer’s useless government sapped the living s*** out of our beautiful industry and economy on a whole (in my opinion) and I don’t have much hope that Burnham will save it."

The Garrison facebook page

Images: The Garrison / facebook

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