New plan for one of Hereford's oldest pubs

Plans have been put forward to refurbish one of Hereford’s oldest pubs. But whether this will enable it to return to its former use is unclear.

The grade II listed Grapes Tavern at the corner of East Street and Capuchin Lane in the city centre dates from the early 17th century, but closed most recently in late 2023.

A planning application (number 251005) submitted by Anthony Thomas of London-based Jove Ltd proposes new flats and bed &breakfast accommodation and access to them on the adapted upper floors.

A report with this says the pub use had “been in decline for many years, with long periods of closure”, and that “time has not been kind” to the building, listed in 1952 but subject to later “ill-thought out and poorly executed alterations”.

Mr Thomas’ proposal would “arrest the decline” of the pub and ensure “the economic benefits required to deliver its renewal”.

The exterior would be “decluttered” and given new signage and lighting, with a new door on the East Street side and two new windows onto Capuchin Lane, making it “more in keeping with visual engagement required for a trading hostelry”.

A revised licence plan has recently been approved, it adds. This appears to include the basement.

The plans would also address the current “poor compartmentalisation” of the current licensed and residential uses, the application adds, by rejigging the layout to allow these uses to be “fulfilled simultaneously”.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is consulted on all planned changes to pubs in the county. Its Herefordshire representative Mark Haslam said the while he had yet to go through the proposal in detail, he was concerned about the possible impact of the residential plans for the upper floors.

“This could lead to a ‘clash of amenities’ with the pub use, a point we have made with the council in other cases,” he said.

Mr Thomas was asked to confirm whether indeed it would reopen as a pub should his plans be approved.

The building was sold at auction for £257,000 in November 2023, when the second floor was still occupied, according to property services firm Savills.

Comments on the application can be made until July 10.