A showdown is looming over the possibility of a closed pub in Reading being brought back into use, as some neighbours are ‘dreading’ its return.
The old Eldon Arms pub in East Reading has been closed since September 2022.
The pub was last run as The Weather Station, managed by Wild Weather Ales for a three-year stint.
The Eldon Arms could soon be brought back into use as Nancy and Marvin’s Sip and Spin.
The reopening would re-establish it as part of ‘The Village’ trio of pubs with The Lyndhurst and The Retreat.
However, neighbours have expressed fears that their quiet enjoyment of Eldon Terrace could be disturbed.
Marvin Carpenter and Nancy Magon, the duo behind ‘Sip and Spin’ have applied to sell food and drinks and host music until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11pm the rest of the week.
But the pair require a premises licence from Reading Borough Council to operate during those hours, which has faced objections during a consultation.
Simon Miles, a neighbour, said: “I live close to this pub and am utterly dismayed that it is opening again. This road is a quiet residential road and enjoyed by most around here for its peace and quiet, and I know from speaking to other residents they were very happy when the pub closed in 2022.
“I have major concerns about the noise and disruption this will cause.
With the previous pub there were frequent issues with late night noise, bottles and glasses left broken and groups of people gathering to smoke outside and leave further litter, urination and vomit in some roads and alleyways from people and, on occasion, acts of vandalism from drunk patrons.”
He then called plans for live music until 10.30pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends a ‘terrible idea’.
Mr Miles added: “There are multiple residents dreading this place reopening due to all of the above reasons and due to the location, none of the issues mentioned can be mitigated by the Landlords, even granting a licence will be a mistake, best case scenario is it must be EXTREMELY limited as by granting a licence you will do nothing other than cause harm, distress and annoyance to the residents around here.”
Fellow neighbour J King said: “This quiet street is home to families,
professionals, and elderly residents who are entitled to peaceful enjoyment of their homes, particularly during evening hours and warmer months when windows are open.
“Noise from music, raised voices, and outdoor gatherings would create a clear public nuisance.
“I urge the council to carefully consider the real-world impact of this application on the day-to-day lives of local residents and to refuse the licence in its current form, or at the very least, impose stricter conditions to limit noise, hours, and outside activity.”
A decision on activities for Nancy and Marvin’s Sip and Spin will be made at a licensing applications sub-committee on Thursday, July 31.
A report into the application states it will operate as a bistro cafe with tabletop games during the day and a wine and cocktail bar in the evenings with occasional DJs and live musical performances.
