Hereford restaurant edges closer to opening new Tapas bar next door

The owners of The Den, in Bridge Street, were granted an alcohol licence for the building next door, but also asked for planning permission as they hoped for an expansion.

Applicant Harry Wolfe Murray applied to Herefordshire for change of use from retail to a restaurant as plans develop to open a tapas bar.

During the Herefordshire Council licensing sub-committee meeting where the application for the premises licence was heard, agent Nick Semper said a serving hatch would connect the two restaurants.

But he said there would be no passageway between The Den and the new Cora Restaurant specialising in the Spanish cuisine.

The Den restaurant's bosses Jade Owen, Gavin Morgan and Harry Wolfe Murray before the move to Bridge Street in 2018

Comments made to the sub-committee from the public included concerns over noise.

Representations made said due to the proximity of some of the nearby homes, there was "constant" disturbance by music.

People who made comments said there had been attempts to address issues with staff and the management of The Den but these had not be resolved and gotten worse.

The feeling was the issues would transfer from The Den to Cora Restaurant.

Addressing concerns, the sub-committee was told no evidence had been supplied and the concerns were "based on fear and speculation".

It was said by representatives of The Den that as it was a new application it need to be judged on its own merits and no responsible authorities had made a representation.

The concerns had been noted, however, and a new and experienced manager would be taking over and would seek to work with neighbours to address their fears.

The sub-committee agreed to grant the premises licence which means alcohol can be sold from 9am until midnight every day.

The opening hours of the new restaurant were thought to be the same.

Planning permission on the change of use of 16 Bridge Street could be decided by September 28.