News / Cafe
New cafe to open in former library
A new cafe in a former library has been granted an alcohol licence despite neighbours’ objections.
The Old Library in Long Ashton will open in June after gaining planning permission for a change of use.
Co-owned by Bristol City assistant head coach Jamie McAllister and business partner Antonio Bavetta, the new cafe on Lovelinch Gardens has gained permission to serve alcohol from midday to 9pm each day.
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There will be no bar; and a limited range of beer, wine and spirits will be table service only, but some local residents have objected to the new cafe’s alcohol license.
Brian Lewis, 84, is one of two neighbours who objected. Living directly above the building, he told local councillors that he feared noise and disturbance from customers eating and drinking outside.
“My concerns relate to the noise nuisance from outside emanating from the customers on the pavement directly below my living room and dining room,” he said.
“I would need to leave my windows closed even during the summer.”
Councillor John Crockford-Hawley responded, saying that “there is a commitment to ensure there is minimal disturbance. The license conditions stop this cafe from becoming a pub.”
He added: “We are doing our absolute utmost to try to accommodate everybody with this application.”
The Old Library cafe will be open from 7.30am to 9.30pm from Monday to Sunday, serving breakfasts in the morning, and then lunches and dinners from a new pizza oven.
Adam Postans is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
Read more: Former library turning into community hub
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