Site of the proposed pub.
A NEW pub and restaurant on the site of Merrie Gardens Farm, at Newport Road, Lake, has been granted a licence by the Isle of Wight Council — without a brick of the building being laid.
The Marston’s restaurant and pub will serve food for up to 180 people and customers will be able to buy drink for both on and off sales, members of the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing determinations sub-committee heard.
Police had objected to the scheme but withdrew their objections after assurances a CCTV system would be installed and the pub would operate the Challenge 21 scheme, which asks youngsters to prove their age.
One letter of objection had also been received from a nearby resident raising concerns about noise.
The committee heard the new pub, which has yet to get planning permission, will be built next to the derelict farm buildings, to be refurbished for the use of the manager and deputy.
It will serve alcohol Mondays to Thursdays between 10am and midnight, on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 1am and on Sundays, from 11am until midnight.
Both live and recorded music will also be played on the premises, which expects to serve holidaymakers at nearby camping sites.
Michelle Hazlewood, representing Marston’s, told the committee the new pub was part of the company’s nationwide building programme aimed at people in their 40s and 50s, who wanted to go out for a meal and light refreshments.
She said: "The premises Marston’s operate are food-led, family-orientated operations."
Chairman of the panel, Cllr Susan Scoccia, said: "This is the first time I have done a licensing application on a place that has not even been built yet. It is nice to hear about a new building and new company coming to the Isle of Wight.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk