Revealed: Plans unveiled to reopen Bedminster pub The Cross Hands by Christmas

A well-known pub which closed more than three years ago could be back open again by Christmas with plans to revamp the old coaching inn submitted to Bristol City Council.

Bedminster-based Wring Group Ltd, which took over the site from Greene King, want to carry out a refurbishment of The Cross Hands in Bedminster Down which would see a covered rear courtyard created.

The skittle alley would be replaced with a function room while four bed and breakfast rooms would be built above it, under the proposal lodged with the city council for approval.

The project has already been welcomed locally, with councillor Richard Eddy among those to voice his support.

Project manager Claire Taylor, who is working on behalf of company owners Dean and John Wring, said: “This was something they have wanted to do with them both from the local area - so when the pub went up from sale they saw it as a great opportunity, but then Covid hit.

“Now we are coming out of it, they have the plans lined up and look to reopen the pub for the community.”

The plans in detail

Designs provided to BristolWorld show the skittle alley replaced by a function room with a small kitchenette serving sandwiches.

The rest of the ground floor of the pub will remain, while a courtyard at the rear will be opened up for seating along with space for pop-up food stalls for special events and at weekends.

Although the business will be mainly a drinking pub, pizzas, gourmet burgers and platters will be served.

Upstairs there will be a bar area along with four en suite bedrooms above the skittle alley facing Bishopsworth Road.

Early reaction

Bishopsworth councillor Richard Eddy believes the plans will be welcomed by many locally who feared the pub would not reopen.

Last year a group of residents registered the site as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in a bid to stop it being redeveloped.

Councillor Eddy said: “I think a thriving community pub still has an important part to play in most areas - unfortunately, the pandemic has seen the sector go into decline and we have seen closures left, right and centre across Bristol.

“But the fact we have the Wring Group who have put money where their mouth is and bought the site for refurbish the pub to secure its future for Bedminster Down, it is good news.”

What happens now

Following the submission of a planning application, people will be able to comment before they are decided on, either by planning officers or by a committee of councillors this year.

Ms Taylor said the group hoped to get permission and start work this summer, ready for reopening by Christmas this year.

Due to the city council’s planning portal being down over the weekend, the planning application cannot yet be viewed. When it does come back online on Monday (March 21), the application will be available to see by using reference 22/01204/F.