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From khaki to cosy - High Street wine bar plans
(January 27, 2010)Glasses could soon be raised to toast the removal of another
blight on the High Street in Warminster as a local resident plans to
open a wine bar in the former army surplus store.
The only bar in its way could be Wiltshire Council whose planners
have already been told that it will have no impact on the conservation
area by their heritage consultant.
The premises, which sit next door to the Factory Shop, could join
the Organ inn just up the road in being transformed from an empty shop
into a licensed premises.
"One part of me would like to encourage a shopkeeper back in but
if the entrepreneur gets this right then there is a definite need for
a place with a difference to go to relax," says Paul Macdonald.
"We no longer have the wine bar at the town hall.
"We are blessed with a good selection of real ale pubs and those
for supping lagers watching big screens but for those with a different
palate and wanting an alternative choice of ambiance this should fit
the bill."
The High Street has been blighted by a 'lack of life' in the past
but is now on the up with an award winning English bistro and a French
style cafe joined recently by the Organ Inn and a Subway.
The former menswear outlet that for while was a charity shop has been given permission for another American style food outlet.
As an added bonus tourists to the town could also be pointed by
locals to neighbouring George Street where traditional fish and chips
can be found alongside other choices of cuisine to sit down to our take
away..
All is within easy walking distance of the public car parking by the Assembly Rooms.
"This will create at least two full time jobs and eight part time
which must be more than the shop used to provide," added Paul. "It is
another positive interest in the future of our market town."
*The High Street still offers opportunity for investment. The
former WSB office is available and could be suitable for a small
start-up business.