Major work has started to restore a historic pub near Bristol dating back to the 19th century.
Extensive work to revive the Fork n Ale Taproom and Kitchen in Weston-super-Mare is expected to take approximately eight weeks, including restoring the frontage of their building to its original façade and reinstating the original stained-glass windows.
Specialist work to restore a parapet that was lost in the early 1980s is due to take place later on in the spring.
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The Grade II listed building was first built in the mid-19th century and has a long history of providing ale to the community under numerous identities including the Bristol and Exeter, The Town Crier and Bonds.
Now operating under the Fork n Ale, the building is still a favoured independent venue in the town centre.
Andrew Bidmead, landlord of the Fork n Ale, said: “There’s an excitement about the place now that work is starting and we’re looking forward to seeing the result.
“We would like to take this opportunity to reassure our customers that we will remain open throughout the works.”
North Somerset Council confirmed the start of this milestone restoration project in conjunction with their High Street Heritage Action Zone Shopfront Enhancement Scheme in Weston-super-Mare.
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The shopfront enhancement scheme is open to priority properties within the High Street Heritage Action Zone in Weston.
Councillor Mark Canniford, executive member for business, economy and employment at North Somerset Council, said: “It’s so positive to see work starting on Weston’s second shopfront enhancement project.
“I look forward to seeing the realisation of the pipeline of shopfront enhancement throughout 2022. I believe this work will significantly improve the appearance of the town centre and in turn encourage more footfall and trade.”
Weston has two Heritage Action Zones in its town centre and was awarded a combined investment of £2m from Historic England. The Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is part of this work and will run until March 2024.
The Heritage Action Zone is part of the Weston Town Centre Regeneration Programme to deliver improvements to key sites within the town and encourage inward investment.
Weston was one of the first of 18 places to be awarded Heritage Action Zone status in England.
The purpose of the scheme is to unlock the potential of historic high streets while fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery.
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