PROPOSALS to extend a popular Workington bar have been submitted.

Allerdale Borough Council has received a change of use plans, validated on November 16, for the empty retail property on upper Jane Street – to be used as an extension by the adjoining 2 Bar, in Market Place.

The bar itself is new and opened its doors during the pandemic, when Covid-19 restrictions had eased.

According to the application form: “The unit is currently vacant following the award of change of use under a former application which deems the unit as office/retail.

“However, the proposal now wishes to change that to a public house.”

Stephen Bell and partner Angela are the owners and licensees of 2 Bar. They have also run The Well, on Jane Street, since 2002.

They said they took the closure of the bar during the November lockdown as an opportunity to make improvements.

Angela said she and Stephen had planned the extension for a couple of years.

“What we are doing at the moment is extending the bar into the adjoining property.

“We have had The Well for a lot years.

“And we opened 2 Bar during the pandemic – we are seeking a variation of the planning permission because of the extension.

“It is not something that we decided to do during the pandemic. We just decided to do something positive.”

A consultation on the proposals was launched on November 25.

And the bar has got a number of rave reviews on Facebook.

One customer said: “2 Bar is a lovely addition to Workington bars, classic style, amazing staff and local craft beers.”

Another said: "Do you know when someone gets a pub just right? One that feels it was made for you and your mates?

“2 Bar does this perfectly.

“What a great place.

“We spent a fabulous Saturday afternoon there yesterday and enjoyed the setting, beer and company.

“Great job Steve and Angela.”

And another said: “Great new bar for our town.”

Yesterday, Cumbria's director of public health, Colin Cox said that he hoped that the county could go into Tier One of the coronavirus restrictions in mid-December with a number of restrictions being eased.

This includes venues serving food and drink, which would be able to open but time would will be called at 10pm. Customers however would be allowed to stay until 11pm.

For information on proposals go online to the council’s website: https://planning.allerdale.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearch

Application number: FUL/2020/0248