The Rhubarb Tavern: Fate of last remaining Bristol pub in Barton Hill to be decided next week

After concerns the pub could be forced to close if flats were built above it, developers have revised the plans and attempted to apply for planning permission again.

The Rhubarb Tavern, in Barton Hill, has been closed since 2020. Campaigners are hoping to reopen the pub, but have been fighting plans from the building’s owner to build flats there.

Natan Ltd, the developers, have reduced the number of flats in their plans, to allay fears about the future of the pub. Councillors on the development control committee at Bristol City Council will vote whether to grant planning permission or refuse it on Wednesday, July 24.

In a committee report, planning officers said: “The applicant provided revised plans that now retain the existing public house and associated upper floors in their entirety, rather than subdividing it into a public house at ground floor level with two independent flats above.

“The applicant has also now confirmed that they commit to the repairing and refurbishment of the existing pub premises to a leasable condition within 12 months of completion of the flats and will allocate a proportionate level of expense to this refurbishment.”

In January, the committee voted against permission for previous plans. These included eight homes, with two flats above the pub and six flats in a new three-storey block in the beer garden. They didn’t however vote in favour of refusing permission, but asked planning officers to come back to the next meeting with reasons for refusal that could stand up in an appeal.

They were concerned that if the plans went ahead, the pub would be unable to stay afloat and could be forced to close. The newly revised plans include building six flats in the rear, restoring the pub and keeping the upper floors as function rooms. The beer garden would be larger, too.

The council consulted the public on the revised plans, but only a few responded, with one in support and several objecting. The plans previously sparked wide interest, and a crowdfunding campaign raised over £35,000 to help reopen the pub, which was recently returned to donors.