A neighbourhood pub in Reading that has been closed for years will be brought back into use as a cafe bar with tabletop games and music.
The Eldon Arms has been shut since September 2022 after its previous operator Wild Weather Ales closed it down.
It is soon due to be brought back into use as Nancy and Marvin’s Sip and Spin, run by social worker Nancy Magon and music teacher Marvin Carpenter.
The duo applied to reopen the pub until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11pm the rest of the week.
The application attracted five objections from neighbours, with one saying that they were ‘dreading’ the pub’s return.
A meeting was held at Reading Borough Council to decide the application.
Nancy and Marvin were represented by Bill Donne of Silver Fox Licensing Consultants, who announced that the application for recorded and live music had been removed.
It was determined that a licence to play recorded music and host DJs and bands would not be required, as long as the events host less than 500 people.
None of the neighbours were at the meeting to make their case.
Mr Donne said: “Because all representations were sent by email, it’s harder to track down where they live.”
While he acknowledged disturbances such as smashed glass and vomiting may have occurred in Eldon Terrace in the past, he argued the neighbours’ objections lacked evidence that the pub was the cause of this disturbance.
On the issue of noise, he stated the pub has strong sound insulation, and all music would be performed inside.
Mr Donne also said the building has a long licensing history stretching back to at least 1958, and stayed open until midnight when it operated as the Eldon Arms.
Council planning officer Anthony Scoles objected to the application over the description of Sip and Spin operating as a café style bistro during the day.
He suggested that planning permission may be needed for the change of use of the building.
Mr Donne replied: “To be clear, it is a public house. More recently, we’ve had the Cosy Club, it’s not a club, it’s a restaurant.
“Most pubs do operate as cafes as well. Actually, it is a pub, but it will be serving coffees, sandwiches and cakes.”
He also used Wetherspoon as an example of a business that is primarily a pub but does serve coffee and breakfast before alcohol sales may begin.
Councillor Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) quipped: “For our purposes, we don’t mind what you serve, as long as it’s palatable!”
Ultimately, the application was granted by the council’s licensing applications sub-committee on Thursday, July 31.
The decision was made by councillors Woodward, Amjad Tarar (Labour, Battle) and Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood).
Nancy said that Sip and Spin is due to launch on Saturday, August 9.
The duo previously ran The Hub in Cholmeley Road, East Reading.
