Pub is paving the way for cafe culture

The Plum Tree in Regent Street plans to set out tables outside the pub to encourage people to sit, drink and relax outside into the evening during the warm summer months.

But manager John Barnes will have to wait to see if Swindon Council's planning department gives the plans the thumbs up.

"The caf culture idea is really popular," said Mr Barnes.

"People like to sit and watch the world go by."

During the day there are 20 tables positioned out on the pavement which is already popular with customers.

"We have an nice beer garden out the back but I think a lot of people like to sit out the front of the pub because they enjoy people-watching," said Mr Barnes.

"You can just sit with your drink and watch everything that is happening."

But when the clock strikes 6pm the tables have to be moved inside because the pub does not have a licence to keep them out after this time.

And this is what the planning application could change.

"We can't keep them out after 6pm and that is a real shame," said Mr Barnes.

"Sometimes we have to say to people who are sitting having a drink that they will have to move and they always seem to be disappointed."

This means members of staff have to go back and forth with the tables each day.

If the council grant the application they will be able to remain outside throughout the summer.

"We hope that we can go ahead with this," added Mr Barnes.

But this is not the first pub to apply for a licence to allow traders to put out chairs.

Two years ago traders in Wood Street in Old Town wanted tables outside to encourage more people to relax in the area.

Owners of the Wood Street cafs Panache and Woods, along with the King's Hotel, urged the council to allow them on-street seating for customers.

But there were fears that access on the narrow pavements would be restricted and the application was turned down.

Richard Freeman, Swindon Council spokesman, said the application is due to be looked at by the council's planning committee in June.