Popular Leicester pub set to close for expansion and refurb

A popular Leicester Wetherspoon pub could soon be closing so it can be expanded. Plans have been submitted to expand The High Cross, in High Street, into the empty shop next door.

The busy pub would also undergo a “full refurbishment” if the proposals are approved by Leicester City Council’s planning team. A spokesman for Wetherspoon told LeicestershireLive work was expected to start on Monday, September 2, subject to planning permission.

The refurbishment would require the venue to shut its doors to customers for part of the work. The spokesman said it was expected to close on Monday, October 14, with a grand reopening anticipated for Tuesday, November 5.

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Work would include knocking through the wall separating the two buildings, the removal of two staircases and the extension of the shop into the courtyard behind it. The newly expanded pub would also be redecorated throughout, with new flooring also laid, plans show.

The front of the shop would also get a facelift with the roller shutters proposed to be removed and work done to the windows. It would be redecorated to match the frontage of The High Cross. The full work is estimated to cost in the region of around £650,000, the company said.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The High Cross is an extremely popular pub. The investment in the redevelopment highlights our commitment to the pub, its customers and staff and Leicester itself.”

A consultation on the scheme will run until Tuesday, August 13. Leicester City Council has set a target decision date of Tuesday, August 27.