Kelso: Licence approved for restaurant in furniture shop

A planning bid for the change of use and internal and external alterations at Focal Point Furniture at 54-56 Horsemarket was originally refused by Scottish Borders Council.

The proposal from James Walker entailed alterations to and change of use of the rear parts of an existing shop and workshop to create café/bar spaces arranged around an enhanced external courtyard.

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The application was refused by SBC on the grounds that the plans “are likely to raise unacceptable noise nuisance issues in a predominantly residential area and effective mitigation is not possible”.

But when members of SBC’s Local Review Body met in June last year they overturned refusal.

And when members of the council’s Licensing Board met on Friday, August 22, they granted a premises licence to allow the sale of alcohol.

The plan now is for the new premises to open its doors to the public at the end of October or early November.

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Mr Walker told the committee: “As I have told the customers, what we are aiming for is very much a cafe/bar rather than a pub. It will be more restaurant than a pub.

“I think we are going to be offering quite a unique space outside, a sophisticated space with the idea of serving the alcohol by table service rather than standing at the bar.

“It is very sheltered so we are hoping to use the outdoor space as long as we can and if we get a summer like we’ve had it should be quite popular.

“The idea is we are trying to keep it quite sophisticated.”

The licensing board members unanimously supported the granting of a premises licence.

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Councillor Neil Richards said: “This is very Kelso-ish, very sophisticated and I support it.”

Board chair Cllr Marshall Douglas described the new outlet as “very innovative”, adding: “A bistro in the back of a furniture shop sounds very nice and I think it will be a complement to the offer in Kelso so we wish you well and grant the licence.”

A report to the licensing board stated: “The premises have indoor seating and kitchen facilities serving light meals, as well as toilets and storage areas. There is also an enclosed outdoor seated area and separate cocktail bar/function room.”

Licensed hours applied for are on sale 11am to midnight, Monday to Sunday, and off-sale 10am to 10pm.

No objection to the application has been received from Police Scotland.