PLANS have been revealed to turn a historic Grade II listed village pub into an antiques centre and tearoom.

The new owners of the Shoulder of Mutton, in Halstead Road, Fordham, want planning permission to create a café with an antiques and collectibles salesroom inside the premises.

The move would create nine jobs and revive the 14th century premises, which closed as a pub at the start of last year.

A planning statement prepared by Fisher Jones Greenwood said: “The application proposal requires minimum intervention to the building.

“The proposed works comprise the removal of a modern bar, works of repair and updating kitchen appliances which are installed in the kitchen. A freestanding servery will be provided for the tea room.”

The antique centre would be in the old bar area and cellar whilst the tearoom will use the former restaurant and detached barn.

It will offer food and drinks for up to 70 customers at a time.

The report said: “The proposed tea room tenants are local people, living within a mile of the application site, and would employ a total of five family members and four part-time staff and have stated they will source locally sourced and produced food.

“They have for some while been running a tea room, where they have been actively seeking new premises.”

Food will be offered throughout the day and include traditional breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea options with locally sourced ingredients.

The prospective tenants plan to seek a licence to serve alcohol on the premises with a view to open until 10pm some evenings.

The report adds: “People missing the traditional public house feature will still be able to meet and have a drink with friends, family and associates.

“The additional offer of the small antique centre will not only be of local interest, but also an attraction for tourists and those seeking antiques and collectables.”

Another Colchester pub could also be brought back to life if separate plans are approved.

Gazette:

  • The Treble Tile, in Colchester Road, West Bergholt

Proposals have been submitted by BMB Properties Limited to turn The Treble Tile, in Colchester Road, West Bergholt, into three separate office-style units with the separate two-bed accommodation retained as an apartment above.

Colchester Council will have the final say on both sets of plans in the coming months.