Excitement and optimism continues to build over the transformation of an old town bingo hall. An ambition to open a micropub within it has been welcomed by people in the town.
They said 'any new pubs would be more than welcome' after details emerged in a plan submitted to Erewash Borough Council to change the use of a section of the old Ritz Bingo Hall, in South Street, Ilkeston.
The former bingo hall now consists of four units - three of which are undergoing refurbishment. Previous plans were put forward to open a cafe within one of the units and were met with a positive reaction.
Read more: The 'perfect life' next to bus depot where drivers are 'very polite'
Now, a separate plan has emerged to open a micro pub in the fourth unit, located at the entrance of the old bingo hall. And the idea has gone down well with shoppers and punters who said more pubs were needed.
Mick Bolstridge, 60, told Nottinghamshire Live the town had seen a loss in pubs over the years. Mr Bolstridge said: “Ilkeston has had many pubs shut over the years - it must be about 15 we’ve lost. Any new pubs would be more than welcome.”
Callum Burrows, who is 22, was all for the idea of a micro pub. Mr Burrows said: “You can’t go wrong with a pub. There’s two micro pubs down there and I’ve been to them both.”
But his younger brother, Oliver Burrows, 18, added: “A big club would be better - it’s a big building.” Whilst Michelle Roe, who is 44 and from Long Eaton, said she would rather see a new restaurant.
Explaining she wasn't sure if another micro pub in the town would prove successful, she said: "I’d rather see something for food - somewhere to eat. Ilkeston is lacking for food. I’d rather a restaurant. I don’t think it [a micro pub] would do that well - there’s too many pubs down here. I just think we lack food."
Shopper Kerrie Roberts, 43, said a micro pub would be a positive addition to the town. Ms Roberts said: “I think it would do well. Anything to add to Ilkeston would be good - I think it’s a good idea.” The former bingo hall ran in the town for 50 years but closed in 2018 when the owners of Beacon Bingo announced the business had continued to make a significant trading loss.
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
