'Victorian' pub plan for Ludlow high street
A former charity shop on Ludlow's high street could be transformed into a Victorian-style pub.
Plans to convert an empty shop at 13 High Street have been submitted by Son of Saxon, the company behind a quirky "parlour pub" that opened nearby in the town centre at the end of 2015.
Jon Saxon, a publisher who is based in Ludlow, decided to open up the kitchen and front room of his town house at 14 Corve Street in a revival of the parlour pub tradition from days gone by.
Now he hopes to create a second drinking establishment in the more prominent position of the High Street, converting the former Forest Dog Rescue charity shop that is currently standing empty between Walls the butchers and Ludlow Kebab and Pizza House.
But it will be no ordinary pub, once again reviving the look and feel of days gone by, making the most of the 18th century building.
In his application, Mr Saxon says he aims to create a Victorian pub in the style that would once have dominated provincial towns like Ludlow.
Historical example include 7 Market Street, which from the end of the 18th century was The Grapes Tavern with a bar, parlour, smoke room and kitchen, but today is Walton's bakery.
“The Church Inn once benefited from a similar layout with bar, smoke room, and two parlours,” he said.
The High Street pub will replicate the old multi-room Victorian pub style, he said.
Three rooms will be created on the ground floor, divided by floor-to-ceiling pitch pine matchboard and bench backs. The entrance from High Street will lead to a public bar and a small parlour to the right and the back door on Market Street will lead to a third parlour.
Customers in the the public bar and front parlour will have counter service, while the back parlour will be served through a hatch.
The first floor will have toilets and a meeting room, the second and third a kitchen and residential accommodation.
Mr Saxon said: “The standard of workmanship will equal my development of 14 Corve Street, which received a Heritage Award from Ludlow’s Conservation Advisory Committee.”
If approved the pub will open from noon to 10pm, seven days a week creating one full time and two part time jobs.
The project will also need an alcohol licence and listed building consent.
