COUNCILLORS have approved an alcohol licence for a new bar in Thornbury, with a pizzeria and a sourdough bakery.
The Yard at No.8 is planning to open at the end of the month, in a former garden centre next to the White Lion (pictured above), and will initially be open from Thursdays to Sundays.
Behind the business are the two chefs at Pig’s Pizza, which is currently based at the Butcher’s Hook pub over the road.
The licence includes permission to sell alcohol until 11pm six days a week and 9pm on Sundays, as well as hosting up to ten live music events a year, with bands and DJs.
The premises licence was granted by councillors at a hearing today.
Speaking at the hearing, Joe Suckling and Ian Dalby told councillors they had both quit their jobs and invested their life savings into starting up their new business.
Mr Suckling, a former social worker, said: “In Thornbury there hasn’t been an independent bakery for a long time, so we would be the only independent bakery.
“Essentially, our plan is that people come and enjoy the bakery and pizza and drink alcohol.
“As we start off, the plan is only to open four days a week, and hopefully we’ll be able to grow that as demand increases.
“It’s a lovely space: you get a lot of sun.
“We want to work with the local community, local pubs and local residents to make sure it adds value to the High Street, and hopefully adds footfall in general for everyone.”
Pig’s Pizza started as a pop-up trailer in 2022 and the business is now expanding with the new venue, which has a capacity of 150 people.
The chefs said they had been eyeing up the site for a few years.
A condition on the licence includes installing a bin at the entrance, to avoid problems with litter.
One neighbour wrote to the council objecting to the application, raising concerns about noise and litter, although they did not speak at the licensing hearing.
Aluminium plates will be used to serve pizza, instead of cardboard boxes.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service