PLANS have been approved for a new beer bar to open in Knutsford Town Centre, focusing on independent produce and real ales.

 Cheshire East Council accepted the application on Monday June 15 for ‘Tap and Bottle Ltd’ to open at 15 Minshull Street, as long as conditions were adhered to.

Tap and Bottle is being launched by former assistant brewer at Tatton Brewery, and self-confessed beer lover, Rick Hoskins.

Rick said: “Tap & Bottle will be Knutsford’s only freehold “beer bar”, providing a range of products and experiences from all over the globe.

“ As I have a huge passion for real ales and the hard work and love that goes into them, I intend to stock quality ales that range from everyday easy drinkers, to that 'something special'.

“I wish to create the excitement of beer and provide a relaxed 'pub' atmosphere in which to enjoy it at affordable prices.

“I will be showcasing Tatton Brewery as my house beer along with real ales from local breweries.”

The building, which is owned by Monckton Properties, will be home to the only drinking establishment currently on Minshull Street, replacing a closed retail store.

Jim McCain, Property Manager at Tatton Estate Management, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tap & Bottle to Minshull Street.

“Real ale is crucial to the success of many community pubs and helps to support local brewers and businesses.

“Tap & Bottle will provide Knutsford with even more choice when it comes to leisure time, as well as create jobs in the town centre, and Monckton Properties Ltd (part of the Tatton Estate) is proud to play a part in giving them a home by bringing this property back into use.”

In keeping with the town’s established bars and pubs, Tap and Bottle’s opening hours will be limited from 9am to 2am from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 10.30pm on Sunday.

As well as acting as a ‘beer bar’, the bar will also sell local and global beers for people to take away from the premises to consume at home.

The plans have been widely-accepted across the town, with support from Tatton Brewery and Tatton Estate management.

Gregg Sawyer, head brewer at Tatton Brewery said: “We are delighted to see the back of Rick as he moves on to his new venture, after being a key member of the Tatton Brewery team.

“The Tap & Bottle will give Knutsford an excellent opportunity for appreciating a range of varied and high-quality beers served in top condition.

“ We expect to pop in ourselves for an exclusive pint of Tatton Gold and other unknown delights - strictly for pleasure, as quality control is a given with Rick in the cellar."

But, one local shopkeeper, Graham Parker, of Digby Antiques Ltd, wrote in an opposing statement: ““Minshull Street is a quiet single lane street with small pathways and no parking.

“The proposal is totally out of keeping with the existing premises in the street which comprise antique shops, carpet shop, wedding dress shop etc.

 “The pathway is totally unsuitable for overspill from the bar for smokers etc and will block the pavement for anyone trying to gain access along the street - there will be accidents - a noisy bar will impact the clientele who are likely to want to come into the street to shop.”

Graham Parker was unavailable to comment, but his wife Jane told the Guardian that the couple will be vacating the premises next month.

Rick, who came up with the concept just over 20 weeks ago, has now got just under a month to get ready to open on the proposed date in mid-July.

He said: “The building was only the second we looked at. It all moved very fast but this location was absolutely perfect for what we wanted.”

"I have had a huge amount of local support, especially from WhiteBox Architecture, with everything they have done throughout the process."