Bury St Edmunds plans for Belgian style beer bar at former charity shop

A former Bury St Edmunds charity shop could be transformed into a Belgian style beer bar.

Cornelis van den Oort, of Beautiful Beers in the town's St John's Street, has sought planning permission for the bar at the former RSPCA West Suffolk Branch shop in St Andrew's Street South.

A planning statement, submitted to West Suffolk Council to convert units A and B at The Old Stable House, said the bar would sell speciality continental and English beers, served on draught and in bottles.

The bar would be table service only and most beers sold in smaller sizes to give a 'special, continental style atmosphere'.

The statement said the proposals would 'greatly enhance the choice of entertainment for local residents and visitors to Bury St Edmunds'.

"The addition of a quality and upmarket entertainment venue within this area of Bury St Edmunds would also benefit other businesses and venues in the same area," it said.

The bar would 'encourage a relaxed atmosphere' with easy listening background music as well as sofas and bench seating.

It would serve traditional bar snacks and light snacks with a continental flavour but no hot food would be prepared on site.

Customers would be allowed to order food from restaurants and take-aways through local delivery services and websites such as Deliveroo and Just Eat for delivery on site, with plates and utensils provided by staff.