A FORMER stationery store in the centre of Hereford is one step closer to being turned into a fine dining restaurant serving food such as shellfish and gourmet dishes.

Lauren Waring says she's "delighted" a Herefordshire Council committee has agreed to grant her a licence for the former Paperway shop on Widemarsh Street which has stood empty for more than two years.

The premises will be called Cellar Door with Miss Waring hoping the venue will obtain "prestigious accolades" in the future.

"Cellar Door is going to be a modern fine dining restaurant, bar and café and will be available for hire for functions such as wedding receptions, parties and corporate functions," she said.

"We wish to become known for fantastic food but also for our vibrant wine and cocktail bar.

"Our restaurant dishes will be a celebration of local produce, seasonality, ethical sourcing and sustainability.

"We aim to make ourselves known to AA Rosette and Michelin teams straight away and have aspirations of obtaining prestigious accolades in the future."

She said she is now looking to recruit staff.