Outside dining at one of Cheltenham’s most high-profile bars and restaurants, No. 131 and No. 133 The Promenade, was one of the key factors that kept the business viable through the Covid-19 pandemic - with the venue now revealing plans to extend its outdoor dining offering for the long term.
The business, which overlooks the main thoroughfare into Cheltenham town centre opposite Imperial Square, wants to keep the temporary 'pointed hat' marquees it put in place during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic while it works on longer term plans.
Cheltenham Borough Council allowed hospitality venues across the Gloucestershire town to add temporary structures outside their premises without planning permission to safely accommodate diners and keep running through the Covid-19 crisis.
The bar and adjacent boutique hotel, owned by Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton, has now hired SF Planning to apply to the council for permission to keep the marquees for a further two years.
SF Planning’s heritage statement, submitted as part of its planning application, revealed the business also wants to invest in a longer term solution. It said: 'The marquees have enabled the business to continue trading at a reasonable level and ensure a degree of viability.
‘The benefit to the town overall in terms of economic activity and continuing to foster the evening and night-time economy is significant.
'It is thus crucial for the existing marques to remain whilst a more sensitive and bespoke design is worked up to ensure the overall upkeep of these heritage assets are maintained.'
