Plans have been revealed for a new wine bar and restaurant to occupy a vacant unit in Perth’s High Street that has sat empty since 2020. The Licensing Board of Perth and Kinross Council recently granted a provisional licence for the premises, which was previously home to the Dewberry Café before closing its doors due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application for the provisional licence was made by LAL (Public House) Ltd, based in Glasgow, and received unanimous approval from the councillors. The proposed establishment at 32-34 High Street will operate as an on-sales facility, with the outdoor pavement café area authorised to operate until 10pm.
During the council meeting on Wednesday, the applicant’s agent informed the board that the intention is for a future tenant to run the business. The tenant will be responsible for obtaining a food hygiene certificate and securing the necessary roads consent to operate the pavement café, with previous roads consent in place from 2010.
Chloe Crawford, the solicitor representing the applicant, expressed the desire to revive the space as a wine bar and restaurant, following its closure as Dewberry Wine Bar and Café. She highlighted the impact of the pandemic on the previous business and the potential for the new establishment to contribute to the local economy.
The property will be managed by the applicant as a landlord, with the option to either lease or sell the premises in the future. The Licensing Board granted approval for the provisional licence application, subject to specific conditions and the requirement for roads consent before the licence is officially issued.
In summary, a new wine bar and restaurant are set to breathe life into a long-vacant unit in Perth’s High Street. The project aims to rejuvenate the space left empty since 2020 and bring a fresh dining experience to the local community. With plans for an outdoor pavement café and a focus on quality hospitality, the establishment holds promise for both visitors and residents alike.