A NEW pub is set to open in Wellington - although the owner's plans to serve alcohol until 2am have been blocked.

Karina Macri has been granted permission to site the microbar in a vacant shop in High Street.

Miss Macri, who lives in Westford, had hoped to open from 11am and through the night until 2am Mondays to Saturdays and to close at midnight on Sundays.

But following concerns expressed by Wellington Town Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council planners agreed to shorter opening hours.

The freehouse pub will only be allowed to let customers in between 11am and 11pm Mondays to Thursdays and until 1am on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays. It has permission to operate between noon and 10pm on Sundays.

The premises is currently a vacant hair salon.

At the time of the application, Miss Macri was reported in the County Gazette as saying: "A microbar is loosely defined as a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask/craft ales/ciders with a tailored and personal approach to customer service.

“A microbar provides a memorable and unique experience to its customers and replaces larger pub entertainments such as jukeboxes, fruit/quiz machines, and sports entertainment with quality, locally-sourced products, friendly service, and a venue to foster good old-fashioned social conversation.”

Having won permission, Miss Macri plans to redecorate the shop front externally and internally, increase the toilet space and renovate the downstairs area.

She said the venture will be staff by one full-time worker and there part-time workers.