Restaurant wants to expand into premises vacated by trader who said Bath is 'not a place for independents'

A Bath restaurant wants to expand and move into a premises vacated by a trader who claimed the city is 'not a place for independents'.

Jars Meze, a Greek independent restaurant at 6 Northumberland Place, has applied to expand into number 7 next door.

This was previously occupied by Pug & Puffin, which sold quirky gifts for dogs and their owners until it closed in July.

Outside shot of Jars Meze in Northumberland Place (Image: Google)

The heritage design and access statement attached to the planning application says: "The proposal would allow the applicant, who has been running the successful Greek family restaurant for nearly four years, to extend their business into the empty premises next door.

"This will secure the long-term future of the restaurant by creating additional tables and seating in the new area and re-introducing an active frontage in No. 7, which will contribute to the vitality of the area."

However, Jenny Wiscombe, who ran Pug & Puffin, said that despite being busy with trade, she feels she was forced out by high the high costs of operating there.

Pug & Puffin owner Jenny Wiscombe and her dog Noah

She said in July: "Now having done it, I would say to anyone – don’t set up a shop in Bath. It is not a place for independents, unfortunately.

“The closure is not because of a lack of sales – it has been a busy little shop.

“I should be able to do really well, but you just can’t in Bath.

The closed up Pug and Puffin shop (Image: Artur Lesniak)

“Really, the only independents managing to make it work are the ones who own their building.

“If I owned the building I’d be making a good living. We have a good turnover, but as it is I have to give it all to the council and our landlord.”

Local shoppers said that the shop's departure was a 'true loss'.

More on the Jars Meze proposals

Greek restaurant, Jars Meze, in Bath city centre (Image: Google)

The plans involve changing the use of number 7 from retail to a restaurant.

Jars Meze states on the planning document that minor interior and exterior changes, including a new doorway, will be made to link 6 and 7 Northumberland Place.

The restaurant currently has seats for up to 45 customers on the ground floor, first floor and outside.

This proposal, if approved, will allow the restaurant to cater for 36 more.

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The opening hours of 12-3pm and 5-9pm from Tuesday-Saturday and 12-3.30pm on Sunday will remain the same. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

The plans also state this proposal has a 'clear functional and economic benefit' and has 'minimal impact' on either of the listed buildings as both properties have been linked in the past.

The planning application reference number is 19/03692/FUL.

Comments are accepted on this proposal until September 16.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has set a target decision date for October 11.