PLANS are being looked at for only the second new public house to open in Wellington in generations.

It is described as a ‘microbar’ and would be converted from the currently closed Bladez hairdressers, in High Street.

Newly-formed pub company Coopers Microbars Ltd has applied to Somerset West and Taunton Council for planning permission to change the use of the empty town centre shop.

Business owner Karina Macri said: “A microbar is loosely defined as a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask/craft ales/ciders with a tailored and personal approach to customer service.

“A microbar provides a memorable and unique experience to its customers and replaces larger pub entertainments such as jukeboxes, fruit/quiz machines, and sports entertainment with quality, locally-sourced products, friendly service, and a venue to foster good old-fashioned social conversation.”

Miss Macri, of Payton Road, Westford, Wellington, has applied for planning consent for a change of use from A1 shops and retail premises to A4 drinking establishments. She said: “With the space available I do not plan to do anything but make the building look better cosmetically.

“This will be done by redecorating the entire shop front area externally and internally, increase the toilet space, and renovation of the downstairs area.”

Miss Macri said the 777 sq ft bar would employ one full-time worker and three part-time staff, and she wanted to open from 11am to 2am Monday to Saturday and noon to midnight on Sundays.

Pubs and bars in the UK have been closing at a rate of three a day for a number of years, although closures have slowed since 2018. The nearby Iron Duke, owned by pub chain J D Wetherspoon, reversed the trend in Wellington when it opened four years ago.

Before then, Wellington had lost a string of pubs, including the Kings Arms and Eight Bells, in High Street, the Three Cups and Ship Inn, in Mantle Street, the Sanford Arms in South Street, the Sportsman Inn, in Waterloo Road, the Weavers Arms, in Rockwell Green, and more recently the Dolphin Inn, also in Waterloo Road.

Public consultation on Miss Macri’s microbar planning application runs until October 2, and Wellington Town Council is expected to make a recommendation at its October 5 meeting, with the district authority taking a decision no later than October 19.

What do you think about a new ‘microbar’ possibly opening in Wellington town centre?

Email your views to edit@wellingtonweeklynews.co.uk or write to Wellington Weekly News, 26 High Street, Wellington TA21 8RA.