News: Plans updated for Rotherham micropubs

Micropub operators in Rotherham are updating plans for their venues.

Rothbiz reported last November that the team at the Roadhouse had secured planning permission to open in a third unit.

Alongside its premises at Stag roundabout, the change of use plans are for the 1,387 sq ft of space next door to create a wine and cocktail bar with a function room on the first floor. The Wickerlsey Road unit was previously home to the Paws to Hooves pet shop before it relocated to Wickersley.

With new directors on board, an alcohol licence application has been approved which shows that the new bar is set to be called Antler & Vine.

Granting approval for the sale by retail of alcohol plus the performance of live music and any playing of recorded music, the opening hours would be 11am to 11:15pm.

At nearby Brecks, Barrel & Bean on Wickersley Road, has created a craft ale and coffee house in a former dentists.

The planning board at Rotherham Council voted unanimously to approve the application last year but thr environmental health department asked for conditions to limit the noise impacts.

An updated planning application has now been submitted to remove some of the conditions and for outdoor seating to the front plus an extension in opening hours.

Applicants argue that restrictions are unnecessary due to the status of the closest flats - one being not in use and uninhabitable, and one being used commercially by the neighbouring business.

Original planning permission was granted with the condition that there would be no outside seating.

Having been restricted to opening Sundays to Wednesdays at 9am to 9pm, 9am to 9:30pm on Thursdays, and 9am to 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the new application is for 9am to 11pm which the applicants say would "better serve our patrons and to allow closing times to be simpler."

The applicant, Anthony Marples, is asking the council's environmental health officers to reconsider the proposals, adding that: "the conditions are restricting business and do not reflect the situation at the premises."

Roadhouse facebook page
Barrel & Bean Instagram page

Images: Google Maps / Barrel & Bean / Instagram

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News: Board back Barrel & Bean at Brecks

The planning board at Rotherham Council has voted to approve plans that will enable a craft ale and coffee house to open in a vacant commercial building.

Rothbiz reported in March on plans for "Barrel & Bean" on Wickersley Road, an idea that was brewing among eight friends who envisioned a local craft ale bar providing quality cask and keg ales in a relaxed setting.

The change of use application is to use the ground floor of a former dental training facility for the café/bar area with the lower ground floor at the rear as a storage and preparation area. The first floor area would remain as a separate flat.

27 letters were received regarding the application, 11 letters objecting and 16 in support. Nearby occupiers raised concerns over potential negative effects on adjacent businesses through noise and disturbance, parking and access.

The applicant, Anthony Marples, has stated that acoustic separation measures will be carried out to ensure minimal disruption to the residential accommodation above and no outdoor seating or live/amplified music is proposed.

The council's environmental health department has asked for conditions to limit the impact, adding: "Noise from vocals is extremely difficult to control especially in drinking establishments where alcohol is served until late evening."

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The applicant has agreed to the imposition of conditions to restrict the hours of use and hours of deliveries, and to exclude external drinking or seating areas. Soundproofing is also planned.

Opening hours would be Sundays to Wednesdays 9am until 9pm, Thursdays 9am until 9:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 9am until 10:30pm.

Council planners said that the proposal would bring an empty unit back into use and provide services for the local community, adding: "It is considered that the proposal would provide a service to local residents by providing a community meeting space and many letters in support of the application as a community facility have been received from the general public in the local area."

Mr Marples told the planning board: "We are proposing the opening of a small microbar, specialising in real ale speciality beers, coffees, teas and cakes operating until 9pm / 10 pm daily. Focusing on real ales differentiates us from typical pub venues and attracts a clientele appreciative of quality beverages in a relaxed setting.

"The target demographic is the more mature generation that prioritises quiet conversation and an ealry closing time is central to our commitment to minimising disturbance.

“The Brecks currently lacks a dedicated, quiet and welcoming venue like this, and the presence of a well run microbar adds to the diversity and vibrancy of local amenities.”

“We understand that residents may have concerns about noise, disorder and parking, and the establishment is low noise by design."

The planning board voted unanimously to approve the application.

Images: Google Maps

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News: More micropubs in Rotherham

Rotherham's thirst for micropubs continues with new openings and plans being put forward for new venues and expansion.

At the end of 2024, a new bar / bistro opened in a parade of units in the heart of Ravenfield.

The Longbar's licensee has previously held licences for the Yellow Lion in Greasbrough and the Effingham Arms in Rotherham town centre.

The venue was designed to be a café/coffee shop and deli during the daytime and a small wine bar in the evening, with seating for 38 persons and is described as "a venue that local clientele can walk to and enjoy food and drink in a “high end establishment”".

In securing the alcohol licence, David Marshall explained: "During the day the premises will operate as a café, providing a warm and friendly environment for local people to get together and enjoy a coffee or a bite of lunch. The plan for the evening operation is to create a small, sophisticated bistro, a place where people will want to dress up to visit and enjoy a classy upmarket environment."

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At Brecks, planning is underway for a new venture aiming to create a vibrant local venue for quality coffee, craft ales, and social interaction.

A planning application has been submitted that would enable "Barrel & Bean" to take over an empty unit on Wickersley Road.

If approved, the change of use plans involve converting a vacant dental training centre into a combined coffee shop and craft ale bar.

The applicant, Anthony Marples, explains: "The idea for Barrel & Bean originated in 2024 during a golfing trip among eight friends who envisioned a local craft ale bar providing quality cask and keg ales in a relaxed setting. This vision expanded to include high-quality coffee, teas, and cakes, leading to the name "Barrel & Bean."

"Seeking an ideal location, the group identified the vacant premises at 263 Wickersley Road, Brecks, which had remained unused for some time. Given the limited coffee shop and bar options in the area, this location presents an opportunity to create a vibrant social hub without necessitating extensive travel."

Plans have also been submitted that would enable The Rawmarsh Tap to relocate over the road from its current premises.

A change of use application is in for a former beauty salon on Kilnhurst Road.

Applicant, Clair Meigh, explained the issues with the current premises: "Having recently submitted a pre-planning application it has become apparent that my business does not hold the correct permissions unbeknown to me on purchase. I served 23 years in the Royal Air Force and I am Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualified, therefore I pride myself on honesty and integrity, and would like the opportunity to rectify this and prove that my little business causes no harm/disturbance to my neighbours.

"My customer base is aged 40+, who enjoy the low level, calm environment that my business provides, rather than the loud "Tap room" environment associated with local public houses. I do not anticipate this to change. I have carried out a customer survey and all my customers are in support of the move."

Longbar facebook page
Rawmarsh Tap facebook page

Images: Longbar / Rawmarsh Tap / facebook

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