Just for fun: With Bates Gun shop now sold, what would the forum like to see on the Market Square?

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
I'm curious too! However I'm glad the decision was made on merit not money, a retail outlet could move in immediately but you're waiting 2 months just to see if the micropub is even allowed. If it opens you can count on me as a customer, assuming good cider of course ;)
 

1JKz

Well-Known Forumite
I had 5 offers (3 serious) with the micro pub the most interesting. Hopefully it will not be empty for much longer! - 4 years, I hope not as Mrs LLFC would kill me.....The council now have 8 weeks to make a decision.

FYI. The exterior (signage etc) will remain "as is" so the Bates name will continue to live on in Market Square.
Great news that the signage is staying, lovely.

Out of interest, can you divulge the other 4 offers?

Also LL, you've more likes than posts, I'd quit while the goings good!
 

LLFC

Well-Known Forumite
Great news that the signage is staying, lovely.

Out of interest, can you divulge the other 4 offers?

Also LL, you've more likes than posts, I'd quit while the goings good!

2 x small fashion retailers, a bottle bar and the other I promised not to say (as very specialist and could expose the person). You really wouldn't believe me if I told you. I would say that "Mr M" would be hard pushed to think of something so random.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
2 x small fashion retailers, a bottle bar and the other I promised not to say (as very specialist and could expose the person). You really wouldn't believe me if I told you. I would say that "Mr M" would be hard pushed to think of something so random.
"Specialist" and involving exposure - could have been Mr M himself....
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
2 x small fashion retailers, a bottle bar and the other I promised not to say (as very specialist and could expose the person). You really wouldn't believe me if I told you. I would say that "Mr M" would be hard pushed to think of something so random.

Short answer, fully supportive of it being a proper pub.

A bottle bar could have been interesting, but I'm guessing similar licensing conditions? Beers taste better from the pump, and ciders from the box (much as I'd love it I'm not sure we have a viable market yet for cask cider) so the pub seems more viable to me. The variety available with bottles is huge, but I still think the pumps have it. Maybe a hybrid? Its up to the locals to decide what works but having two decent pubs in remarkably close proximity (Market Vaults) is a good thing from my view as a customer. The MV don't do the nice ciders (again I know I'm in a minority here) so being able to drink something I love then pop next door for food sounds great, I'm sure ale drinkers will feel the same. If I'm honest the only loser here would be the floodgate as I'd probably frequent here more often than there purely due to its proximity to my OHs shop. If tonight is anything to go by though they can survive without my twice a week custom, was a good atmosphere. The sun seems to be their overflow lately.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Think it takes 8 weeks to get the license application through, so may be a bit longer. Only people with a viable complaint really are the Market Vaults, as they could try to argue it would harm their business being so close. The free market idea says tough, but I don't believe they see it as a problem. The Sun seems to feed off the floodgate, when its full people go there instead. The MV would likely see the same, and as they serve food its a draw the other place won't have. 2 pubs people like close together makes you more likely to go to that area, I see it as a good thing.
 

Katniss

Well-Known Forumite
Think it takes 8 weeks to get the license application through, so may be a bit longer. Only people with a viable complaint really are the Market Vaults, as they could try to argue it would harm their business being so close. The free market idea says tough, but I don't believe they see it as a problem. The Sun seems to feed off the floodgate, when its full people go there instead. The MV would likely see the same, and as they serve food its a draw the other place won't have. 2 pubs people like close together makes you more likely to go to that area, I see it as a good thing.

I think you are right and the last couple times I visited the Market Vaults it seemed really popular/busy and I also really liked Laura she is so friendly.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Not seen Laura for a bit. Great pub though, I often meet my OH there after work on a Saturday. Well I did till the floodgate opened! Put a similar venue next door and its not a struggle to pop in for some chilli cheese fries to soak up the cider!
 

LLFC

Well-Known Forumite
No decision as yet! I expect that it will take another 4 - 5 weeks before we know.

I have seen the neighbour consultation response (by market Vaults) which states

"I have no obvious objections to this proposal, and
furthermore encourage it, as long as the following
considerations are taken into account in making any
decision"

I was at the place on Sunday (waiting for a bloke to come and give me a quote) and the amount of runners that looked like they could do with a nice cool beer... Interested next year... or for the light turn on.... I agree with "Gramaisc" the square would be much better with a nice little bar in the corner.. some tables outside for teas and coffees .
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
If you could get tables that'd be great, probably non-alcoholic beverages only but would still be a great benefit to the market square. Opening for tea/coffee during the day could be a big draw. No real scope for a kitchen without reducing the bar area significantly but sure cakes would be possible.
 

Sir BoD

Well-Known Forumite
The PandA House got away with beer outside in Crabbery Street....
Yes, they did. I remember them having a few open air gig nights during one summer. The artist just sat between the pub and Cash Converters on an amp surrounded by tea lights. Loved it.
 
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