A POPULAR bar in Chester looks set to be refurbished after plans were submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council towards the end of last month.

Fiesta Havana on Watergate Street, part of the Stonegate Group, is due to be rebranded as a Be At One cocktail bar.

Plans have been submitted which will see the popular Latin-themed bar redesigned and redecorated with new seating, the addition of a second bar and redesigned bar areas, the addition of a ‘selfie wall’, and “redecoration throughout”.

The planning support document, assembled by Bidwells for the Stonegate Pub Group says:

“The proposed internal works include: new bar serveries (x2); removal of walls etc associated with DJ booth and bottle shelves etc and replacement with fixed seating/new structure; new fixed furniture and drinks shelves; new amp store in former kitchen area involving new walls; fixed seating items; fixed drinks shelves; new ‘selfie wall’; new timber wall panelling; new ‘feature wall’; applied gold vinyl graphics to ceiling; new graphic wrap to door apertures; new ironmongery; new flooring; new lighting and electrical fittings; the refurbishment of customer toilets; and redecoration and refurbishment throughout.”

There are currently 39 Be At One locations across England and Wales.

The brand is well known for its extensive range of cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as shots and prosecco/champagne.

Reasons for rebrand

Explaining the reason for the change to Be At One, the company cite the “continuing difficult economic climate” and a “loss of revenue” by the current site.

The document adds: “It is important that the site rebrands, enhances, updates and improves upon its customer offer and attraction, otherwise the site could continue to suffer serious detrimental effects on the ability to attract customers, thereby subsequently further affecting sales and viability to the detriment of the continued economic vitality of the public house/bar.

“Both full and part-time staff are employed at these premises and are reliant on it for their income. Any continued drop in sales will affect the ability of the unit to maintain current staff levels. The LPA should therefore use its best efforts to support the recovery of their own hospitality and leisure sector in this regard.”

The application also says the refurbishment will “safeguard the economic well-being of the existing beneficial use of these listed premises, for its established use, for a use that allows public access into them, and which ensures the on-going maintenance and upkeep of the premises.”