Mason Moore, Hinckley Reporter - Hinckley Free Press
Planners at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s planning department have given the plans the ‘thumbs up’ today (Tuesday, 16 August)
One of the planning agents helping lead the project, Mr. Paul Bukin, of Bukin Lett Architecture, who has been working alongside Bailey English Architecture, revealed the pub’s name for the first time – and stated the agents are ‘happy’ at the approval.
He said: “Bukin Lett Architecture and Bailey English Architecture are happy to announce that planning has been granted on the former Yorkshire Bank for conversion to a coffee house and real ale bar with entertainment space for live music events. The bar will be known as The Clarence.”
The ‘landmark’ former bank building will see coffee and real ale served up inside of a large and industrial ground floor bar. And, a special beer chiller room has been created behind the bar, so the ale can be served correctly.
Food will be served up on-site from a new ‘market street kitchen’ which is in the process of being built in redundant space near the rear of the building.
The coffee house will serve up specialist coffees from a local roasting house, as well coffees from around the world.
The bar and coffee house will be dog friendly, meaning that punters can enjoy a drink whilst sitting with their dogs, as they have a catch-up with their friends.
Live entertainment will be performed inside of The Clarence – such as comedy nights and live music performances, and there are hopes that in ‘due time’, the first floor could also be transformed into yet another space for performers.
Plans are even in place for real ale festivals, beer and gin festivals, and market stalls. They would even hold art events and food events for families to enjoy together.
It is believed that the plans will “bring life back into the town square” in the evenings, with the outdoor market square sporting a new outdoor seating area for drinkers.