News: Rotherham bar operator targets town centre

The operator of popular venues in Rotherham has announced plans to open another in the town centre, reports Visit Rotherham.

A craft beer specialist, Roadhouse Bar & Bottles originally opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room at Stag Roundabout. It has hosted art events and live music and also operates as a bottle shop offering beers, wines and spirits.

In 2024, the same vibe was created in a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington.

Now the team has revealed that it has set its sights on an empty property on the heritage High Street in Rotherham town centre.

A post on social media, picked up by Visit Rotherham read: "It's now official!

"After everything that’s happened since we opened our first Roadhouse, we’re incredibly excited to finally announce... Roadhouse Bar & Bottles is coming to Rotherham!"

The post hints that the new Roadhouse will offer great beer, great wine, live music, tasting nights and events and shows 29 High Street as the new location.

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Part of a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings, the Georgian Town House contained the remains of the Italian restaurant and was painstakingly restored with a new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door. The unit was previously The Craft Corner and Bears' Den and a bridal shop.

The listed building, once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers, now contains four self-contained residential apartments, a two-bedroom cottage and a ground floor retail unit.

In 2024 Roadhouse's Stag premises closed for the "forseeable future" "due to circumstances outside of our control" but reopened in the summer of 2025.

Later in 2025, Chris Roadhouse joined with new directors to convert a vacant former pet shop, also at Stag, into a new wine bar. Antler & Vine opened earlier this year with a different offer to Roadhouse next door which instead focuses on craft cocktails, fine wines and champagne.

Roadhouse website

Images: Veritas

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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: Plans passed for new Rotherham wine & cocktail bar

A popular bar operator with two sites already in Rotherham has secured planning permission to open in a third unit.

Rothbiz revealed in September that the team behind the Roadhouse Bar & Bottles was preparing to expand alongside its premises at Stag roundabout.

Having opened a second Roadhouse micropub in a former opticians in Dinnington, in 2024 the Stag premises closed for the "forseeable future" "due to circumstances outside of our control" but reopened in the summer of 2025.

An application was submitted for a change of use with the Roadhouse operator hoping to use the 1,387 sq ft of space to create a wine and cocktail bar with a function room on the first floor. The unit was previously home to the Paws to Hooves pet shop before it relocated to Wickersley.

The plans also explain that the yard area that is currently in use as an external seating area for the Roadhouse bar will also be used in conjunction with the new bar. A removable canopy is to be installed above this area.

The plans were approved without going before the Council's planning board.

One letter of objection was received from a local resident raising concerns with regard to noise and disturbance and the planning permission comes with a number of conditions, mainly regarding operating hours and restrictions on noise, such as the playing of amplified music.

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Rotherham Council's planning officer concluded that: "This proposal is considered to bring an empty unit back into use and provide a service and social point for the local community.

"Environmental Health officers have assessed the application, and the concerns raised and acknowledge that there is the potential for disturbance to nearby sensitive receptors as a result of noise from raised voices and amplified music/audio from the proposed outdoor area. However, they also note that the background noise levels in that area are relatively high and the premises are in a block of commercial units, some with similar uses, in close proximity to the site.

"The Roadhouse bar is currently in use adjacent to this site and the Environmental Health officers state that no complaints have been received in regard to this.

"Notwithstanding the above they recommend that if planning permission is granted conditions are imposed to limit the opening hours and to restrict the use of music outside and the noise levels within the building."

Planning conditions mean that the premises will only be open to customers between the hours of 12:00 and 23:15 Mondays to Sundays with the courtyard area only open to customers between the hours of 12:00 and 22:00.

In addition, deliveries will need to take place the between the hours of 09:00 and 21:00.

Alongside the premises at the Stag, a new fireworks shop opened in time for bonfire night and work has begun to convert the former dance studio into a reformer pilates studio.

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Images: Google Maps

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News: Three cheers! Rotherham operator planning third venue

A popular bar operator with two sites already in Rotherham is planning to open in a third unit.

The move marks a massive turnaround from being locked out of the original premises by previous landlords.

Rothbiz reported in June that Roadhouse Bar & Bottles was preparing to reopen its premises at Stag roundabout. In 2024 they had closed for the "forseeable future" "due to circumstances outside of our control."

A planning application has now been submitted that would enable the operators to take on an empty retail unit just next door.

Formerly the Paws to Hooves pet shop before it relocated to Wickersley, the application is for a change of use with the Roadhouse operator hoping to use the 1,387 sq ft of space to create a wine and cocktail bar with a function room on the first floor.

Currently the unit includes a sales area and store to ground floor level and at first floor level there is a further storage, kitchenette and WC facilities.

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A bar and tables would be installed downstairs with toilets for customers upstairs along with a function room.

Plans also show a proposal for a retractable canopy to the side in the seating area already used by patrons of the Roadhouse.

It is thought that the two venues would operate separately but share the outside seating area.

Roadhouse originally opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room at the Stag site. It has hosted art events and live music and also operates as a bottle shop offering beers, wines and spirits.

Operators found themselves locked out just before Valentine's Day in 2024 with notices of peaceable re-entry by the landlord on display at both the Roadhouse and Rancheros premises.

The property which contains both, 154 - 156 Wickersley Road, was listed for sale with Crosthwaite Commercial in October 2023, expecting offers around £350,000 for the freehold interest.

London-based The Bampton Property Group Limited, secured planning permission at the end of 2023 to refurbish the building.

A second Roadhouse micropub opened in a former opticians in Dinnington in 2024.

Roadhouse Facebook page

Images: SMC Chartered surveyors

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News: Roadhouse gets ready to reopen in Rotherham

After near neighbours Rancheros Bar and Grill announced plans to reopen its Rotherham restaurant, the operators of the Roadhouse Bar & Bottles are set to do the same.

Rothbiz has previously reported on how both venues posted in 2024 that they had closed in the Stag area for the "forseeable future" "due to circumstances outside of our control."

Roadhouse went on to open another micropub in a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington but the Stag venues have remained closed.

Last week, a post on social media from Rancheros Rodízio Bar & Grill announced that they were getting ready to open on July 15.

Now, the operators of the Roadhouse have confirmed plans to reopen.

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A post on Facebook reads: "So the rumours are true, and we can finally confirm we got the keys back!

"The man in the red jumper [Chris Roadhouse, owner of Roadhouse Bar & Bottles] would like to welcome you all back.

"We're aiming for the pumps to be pouring by Friday the 18th of July, but watch this space for more updates and some special vip nights.

"Pub crawl between Dinnington and the Stag, anyone?

"Hoooooooray Rotherham!"

A craft beer specialist, Roadhouse originally opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room at Stag Roundabout. It has hosted art events and live music and also operates as a bottle shop offering beers, wines and spirits.

Having signed a lease in 2019, operators found themselves locked out just before Valentine's Day with notices of peaceable re-entry by the landlord on display at both premises.

The property which contains both, 154 - 156 Wickersley Road, was listed for sale with Crosthwaite Commercial in October 2023, expecting offers around £350,000 for the freehold interest.

London-based The Bampton Property Group Limited, secured planning permission at the end of 2023 to refurbish the building, including a new pitched roof, demolition of first floor to the bar, and the replacement of first floor windows to the front elevation. It does not appear that the work has been carried out.

Images: Roadhouse / facebbok / Google Maps

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News: Roadhouse gets green light for new Rotherham venue

Craft beer specialist, Roadhouse, has secured planning permission to open in another location in Rotherham. It comes with a number of conditions.

Rothbiz reported in March that an expansion into new premises was already being progressed by the Roadhouse team when it was unexpectantly shut out of its Stag premises by its landlords.

With a premises licence already secured for a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington, connected planning applications were submitted for a change of use and new signage at the empty 1,600 sq ft unit.

The site is located close to the planned £11m regeneration scheme which is focusing on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

The Roadhouse application attracted nearly 250 letters of support from regulars at the Stag before its closure and Dinnington locals keen to see a micropub in the town centre and a vacant unit brought back into use.

A representation from the applicant stated: "Roadhouse Bar and Bottles has a proven record of re-connecting local residents with their local shopping area and discouraging the element of the community focused on anti social activities by the re claiming of otherwise vacant land.

"Popular areas offer prospect and refuge. Our bar and bottle shop provides a place that feels secure and brings the wider community together. With a continuous offer of community space, with art displays, live music, art workshops and charity events, the business is more than a bottle shop or bar and has a proven track record of promoting other local businesses and working collaboratively to increase footfall, contributing to the area's improved local economy."

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Rotherham Council has a policy that would normally see pubs and bars discouraged in so-called "Primary Shopping Frontage" areas, however, planners explain: "Whilst the supporting text to the policy notes that drinking establishments are not considered appropriate, micropubs are a relatively new innovation and are much smaller than traditional pubs/bars.... The proposed microbar will be open for much of the daytime period as well, and the applicant has indicated that it would also be used for the retail sale of “high end drinks” to be consumed off the premises.

"Whilst the proposed micropub is not a preferred use for a prime shopping street it is considered that in this instance the proposal will bring back a vacant unit into use helping to contribute to the vitality and viability of the Town Centre providing a day/night time facility for the local community that could encourage linked trips to other uses without being harmful to area.

"Furthermore due to the current vacancies in this location there are retail opportunities for other premises to come back into retail use."

The closest dwelling is located four metres away to the rear of the premises, boundary to boundary, and on the suggestion of environmental health officers, a condition means that the proposed use as a drinking establishment shall only take place indoors. No seats or tables shall be placed outdoors.

The plans were approved withouth going before the council's planning board and includes other conditions around opening hours (10.00-23.15 Monday to Sunday), delivery times and potential noise from music and patrons.

As for the Stag premises, where both Roadhouse Bar & Bottles and neighbours, Rancheros, announced in February that they had closed for the "forseeable future" when a notice of peaceable re-entry by the landlord was on display, a post to social media this week read: "The Roadhouse would love to come back to the Stag. Some things are simply out of our control. We shall continue to try to get back in."

Roadhouse website

Images: Roadhouse

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News: Beer today, gone tomorrow?

A political row is brewing over why proposed new micropubs have not yet been allowed to open in Rotherham, despite strong support from their local communities.

Rothbiz reported last month on plans by the operators of the Roadhouse to take on a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington where an alcohol licence has already been secured.

A decision is yet to be made by Rotherham Council on the change of use application but local ale fans are fearful of plans falling flat. Around 250 representations have already been received, so many that the local planning department have been unable to publish them all online.

The council's environmental health team has already requested that, if plans are approved, then a condition is attached which would mean that the rear yard would not be able to form part of the establishment, as is proposed.

The closest dwelling is located four metres away to the rear of the premises, boundary to boundary, and environmental health officers state that a suggested condition would read: "The proposed use as a drinking establishment shall only take place indoors. No seats or tables shall be placed outdoors."

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A similar story has been encountered in Kiveton, where a planning application has been submitted for a change of use at a vacant cafe that would enable it to be used as a drinking establishment.

Having already secured an alcohol licence, the Kiveton Tap on Wales Road is currently operating as a bottle shop until a decision is made on the plans.

Again, the council's environmental health team has raised concerns over the "potential for nuisance to neighbouring residential premises from the proposed use as a result of noise from raised voices from patrons, background music and fixed plant" and are recommending that conditions be attached to any approval regarding a scheme for sound insulation.

Again the use would be restricted to indoor only given that "noise from vocals is extremely difficult to control especially in drinking establishments where alcohol is served until late evening."

Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Dinnington and Kiveton Park, like so many of the towns and villages of Rother Valley, need high quality hospitality and retails [sic] venues to want to invest. The decision made – with complete lack of transparency, scrutiny and democratic accountability – is unacceptable."

In the north of the borough, Beer Haus has recently opened in Wath town centre. Taking over the former Pastures Moo premises, the cafe bar stocks a wide range including imported German lagers, Yorkshire craft beers and exotic international flavours.

The family establishment, which opened in February, also benefits from an ever changing food offer thanks to a number of street food stalls pitching up in the adjacent yard, including Mac In A Box, St Marcino Pizzeria and J's Fried Chicken.

Roadhouse website
Kiveton Tap website
Beer Haus website

Images: Kiveton Tap / Facebook

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News: New Rotherham premises planned for Roadhouse

Craft beer specialist, Roadhouse, is moving ahead with plans to open in another location in Rotherham. It remains locked out by the landlords at its original site.

Rothbiz reported last month that both Roadhouse Bar & Bottles and Rancheros had announced that they had closed for the "forseeable future" and a notice of peaceable re-entry by the landlord was on display at the premises on Stag Roundabout.

An expansion into new premises was already being progressed by the Roadhouse team with a premises licence being recently secured for a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington.

Now connected planning applications have been submitted for a change of use and new signage at the empty 1,600 sq ft unit.

The site is located close to the planned £11m regeneration scheme which is focusing on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

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The application from Around our Gaf Ltd, trading as Roadhouse Bar & Bottles, would enable a change of use from Hudsons Opticians to licensed premises.

The premises licence, which has already been approved, is for opening hours of 11am and 11:15pm with the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 11am and 11pm. As at the Stag premises, live music is permitted on Sunday afternoons.

Back at the orignal site, where Roadhouse opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room, both the restaurant and bar remain closed.

The 13,926 sq ft property is owned by London-based The Bampton Property Group Limited, the company issuing the notice, and a ten year lease was signed for the restaurant and bar in 2019.

The group secured planning permission at the end of 2023 to refurbish the building, including a new pitched roof, demolition of first floor to the bar, and the replacement of first floor windows to the front elevation.

Approving the plans, offices at Rotherham Council said that the proposals would create "a pleasant modern appearance and significantly improve the overall streetscene and the setting of Stag Roundabout. The cladding along with the roof improvements will also improve the buildings insulation and help to reduce heating costs."

Roadhouse website

Images: Roadhouse

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News: Two popular Rotherham venues announce closure

It was a heart-breaking Valentine's Day for two popular Rotherham venues as they both announced shock closures at the same time.

Tonight, the shutters were down and the locks were bolted with no couples enjoying a romantic meal or sharing a drink.

The operators of Rancheros Bar and Grill posted on social media that it had closed "due to circumstances outside of our control," just hours after the operators of neighbouring Roadhouse Bar & Bottles posted the same.

Rancheros brought Brazilian and Latin cuisines to the borough, converting an empty retail unit into a restaurant and bar at Stag Roundabout. Opening when Covid-19 restrictions were still in place, the venue became a hit with TripAdvisor reviewers who made it the number one ranked restaurant in the town.

The restaurant is from Doncaster-based restaurant entrepreneur, Masud Rana, owner of La Boca and La Rustica in Doncaster town centre, and the La Fiesta tapas restaurant in Armthorpe. Whilst the Rotherham branch underwent a revamp in 2022, the Doncaster branch of Rancheros closed in 2023, within a year of opening.

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A message on the restaurant's Facebook page reads: "With a heavy heart, Rancheros Rodizio bar & grill will be closed for the forseeable future due to circumstances outside of our control.

"We would like to thank all our beautiful, supportive customers for being part of our extended family, providing such great times and unforgettable memories.

"Rest assured, all booked customers who paid a deposit will be contacted and reimbursed.

"We will continue to work hard in providing a community space to be enjoyed by all in the future.

"Watch this space for more updates!"

The announcement message is similar to that posted by the team at the Roadhouse, the bar which opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room near to Rancheros.

The reasons for both closures have not been made public but a notice of peaceable re-entry by the landlord was on display at the restaurant premises.

Leases often allow for landlords to take back possession of a property by physically entering it and changing the locks without court proceedings - if they think they have the right to do so - usually a breach of the lease by the tenant.

The property which contains both, 154 - 156 Wickersley Road, was listed for sale with Crosthwaite Commercial in October 2023, expecting offers around £350,000 for the freehold interest.

The 13,926 sq ft property was owned by London-based The Bampton Property Group Limited, the same company issuing the notice this week, when a ten year lease was signed for the restaurant unit in 2019.

The notice shows that the operators of Rancheros and Roadhouse came together to create a company and that is who has the lease.

For the team at the Roadhouse, plans were already underway for another venture in the borough. A premises licence was recently secured for an empty former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington.

Images: Crosthwaite Commercial / Tom Austen

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