Proposed new micropub in Alnwick to be named after local legend Harry Hotspur

Harry’s Bar, as it would be called, takes its name from famed medieval knight Harry Hotspur.

It is being proposed for the unit formerly occupied by The Linen Cupboard on Narrowgate.

An application seeking change of use permission has been submitted by Pete Manion of local building firm Castle Masonry.

The proposal seeks to use the front room as a bar with seating area.

Rotten floorboards and joists would be replaced and it is also planned to open up the fireplace and bring it back into use with a woodburning stove.

The frontage, which dates from 1831 and is Grade II listed, would remain as existing, but repainted in blue and gold, with new lettering.

The application states that it would create two full-time jobs.

A heritage report on the applicant’s behalf states: ‘The property internally is in poor condition, with a rotten floor, very basic toilet facilities in an unheated space off the alley, and the shop front is in a poor state of decoration.

‘The proposed development includes restoration of features such as the range, and the repair of fabric such as the floor and stone walls to ensure that the building’s life is extended, and the property is retained in good condition.

‘The new stud wall in the rear room is a reversible addition, and the improvements to the toilet facilities will ensure that the building is accessible to all. There is a level access into the rear seating area from the alley by the toilet too.

‘The structural repairs such as the renewal of the rotten floor and new timber beam in the front room are essential. The floor joists and boards crumble between fingers, and the dampness will affect the walls and timber posts too if left.

‘The existing beam is supported by three very slender timber posts which are too small to take the load of the floor above and sit on the rotten floor below. They also restrict the use of the room by sitting in the middle of the small room.’

Proposed opening hours are 4pm to 10pm from Monday to Friday, 11am to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 10pm on Sunday.

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