New plans unveiled for future of historic Leicestershire pub
Plans to turn a former Leicestershire pub into a natural therapy centre with a cafe and a shop have been unveiled. New owners say the former Cavalier Inn can become a "project for the community" as work gets underway.
The ex-pub, which is believed date back to the 17th century, was most recently a wood burner store and is found on the corner of George Street and Market Street in Lutterworth. It has been taken over by a new company called Lutterworth Natural Health.
The company has posted a video of its plans for the pub online, showcasing what the future holds for the historic boozer. In the video, Jonathan Bennett describes what the new business will offer and also appeals for help from local people to help with the renovation of the building.
He said: "We are converting this building into Lutterworth Natural Health where you can come for natural treatments such as ozone therapy, hydrotherapy and massage plus so much more. Also for natural health food products at our Natural Health food shop.
"I also want to be able to source natural foods from local farmers. I'm a great believer in supporting local farmers. They do such a good job. There will be a natural cafe where it's vegetarian and plant-based. A place where you can come and relax - maybe before your treatments or after your treatments - and be able to experience and rejuvenate your health."
He invited people to stop in while the renovation work was taking place and also appealed for any builders, plumbers and electricians who could offer advice to stop by.
He said: "This is a project for the community. A project where we want to be able to help people as they come by. And if you've got some time on your hands and you want to come by and help with the renovation work or even you might be a builder or a plumber or an electrician and you might want to offer some help.
"And that might be as simple as a bit of guidance. I'm not an expert. We're just doing the best we can. We need your help, plus we'd also like to see you. If you see the door's open just come on in."
According to the website of the Leicestershire Fieldworkers, which includes archaeological groups around the county, the pub dates back to about 1600, although the timber facade is only about 125 years old. Between 1811 and 1939 the alehouse hosted the annual show of the Lutterworth Gooseberry Society and in the 1850s and 1860s, when the pub was known as The Ram, it also hosted the annual dinner of Lutterworth Cricket Club.
And in 1863 the landlord, Richard Sansome's brood of hens reportedly produced a four-legged chicken.
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