A prominent bar that has been a key feature of Banbridge’s high street since 1814 could be set to undergo some major internal changes.
The striking Imperial Inn on Bridge Street stands out among the many shops that line the town’s main thoroughfare for its Tudor-style frontage.
For over 200 years it has been a mainstay watering hole for locals, periodically changing hands under the management of several well-known families.
In that time it has rarely undergone any major refurbishment or structural changes, with the last notable changes requiring planning permission being made in the 1990s.
But, now that could be about to change as plans submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council outline the new owner’s intentions to develop an off-licence to the front of the existing bar.
Submitted in the name of Stephen Neeson – of Dromore-based company Naxos Solutions Limited – the proposals seek permission for a part change for the front public bar to off-sales area and retaining the public bar to the rear.
If approved, the existing entrance to the building off Bridge Street will lead directly into the new off-sales area which will be internally connected to the rear bar, with a new “public bar lobby” in place of storage that currently exists near the side entrance to the property.
The seating within the front bar will be removed and replaced with shelving and the existing bar servery on that side would also be replaced partially with shelving and sales counter space.
To the left of the front entrance a new “walk-in” cooler would be built to stock chilled beverages.
The rear bar would remain largely unchanged, save for the introduction of a doorway from the new “public bar lobby”, and a wall adjacent to the bar servery separating the off-sales from the bar.
Including the building’s basement, the property includes a total of four storeys, however, no alterations would be made to the other three floors and there would be no external alterations.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
