April 1, 2022 1.30 pm This story is over 31 months old

Be At One with your Curiosity for new Lincoln pub opening

Major refurbishment planned

The former Curiosity Shop on Lincoln’s High Street could be getting a major refurbishment and opening under a new name according to planning documents.

Stonegate Pub Group has applied to the City of Lincoln Council for permission to carry out a number of works to the grade II listed building at 266 High Street, including new fixed furniture and bar serveries, the removal of part of an internal wall and fireplace, blocking up a window, as well as new pillars, flooring and lighting.

Outside, the owners plan to replace the pergola and create a new drinks shelf and courtyard surfacing.

Once complete the bar will reopen with the name “Be at One”.

Documents submitted to the council said: “As with all commercial hospitality and leisure facilities such as this, the applicant needs to continually refresh and enhance its customer offer and attraction in order to remain commercially viable.

“The continued commercial viability of these premises ensures the continuing maintenance and upkeep of this listed building for a publicly accessible use.

“These proposals would help to facilitate the continuing beneficial and sympathetic use of these premises, which will continue to add to and enhance the vitality and pedestrian footfall within the local street scene and Lincoln city centre in general.”

An internal reference image for the inside of Be At One.

The application notes that during a “continuing difficult economic climate” the site has suffered lost revenue and that the improvements hope to attract more customers.

It notes that outdoor facilities in particular have become “only too apparent” in their importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside the planning application, the owners have also applied to vary their premises licence.

A notice on the venue’s door outlines hopes to extend the times it can sell alcohol to 3am and its opening hours until 3.30am from Monday to Sunday and on bank holidays.

Residents have until April 15 to make representations on the application.