COUNTY licensing bosses have granted a new premises licence for a popular Hereford restaurant.

Harry Wolfe Murray applied to Herefordshire Council for permission to sell alcohol, for late night refreshment and for live and recorded music to be played at The Den’s new Bridge Street premises.

Mr Wolfe Murray listened to the concerns of Jacky Sewell, who lives above the restaurant, and agreed to change their opening times at a licensing sub-committee meeting last week.

Ms Sewell raised concerns over the impact the noise and vibration generated by the kitchen vent would have on her wellbeing.

She said: “I’m in support of The Den being there. They are a fantastic team to have downstairs and they have brought added value to the area.

“My concern is that the vent and the kitchen need to be closed from 11pm and not midnight. When the vent is on in the kitchen the entire bedroom vibrates and the noise is significant.”

Mr Wolfe Murray said The Den employed 21 people, has been in the city for five years and recently spent just over £40,000 on a refurbishment.

The committee granted the licence which allows live and recorded music from 9am until 11pm from Monday to Sunday. Sale and supply of alcohol and late night refreshment will be allowed between 9am and 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 12am Friday to Saturday. Refreshment between 11pm and 12am will be restricted to hot drinks. They will be allowed to open from 9am to11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and from 9am until 12.30am Friday and Saturday.