White Lion reopening as restaurant

YATE'S historic White Lion pub has been saved – and part of the building could even enter a new life as a community hub.

Work is underway to renovate the interior and carry out external repairs, and it is due to re-open as an Italian restaurant and cocktail bar by mid-May, three years after it closed.

Yate Town Council is in talks with the new owner about proposals to turn the old skittles alley into a community centre.

Last July the Voice reported concerns by local councillors that the pub in Church Road could be redeveloped for housing.

The Grade II-listed building has been a pub since 1644, but closed at the start of the pandemic. The town council failed in an attempt to have it listed as an Asset of Community Value, which would have provided extra protection from redevelopment.

Town councillor Chris Willmore says it could have an exciting new lease of life – but there were still potential concerns in the future.

She said: “After all our fears for this site, for now I am feeling quite positive.

“What happens further down the line, who can tell… the new owner has been clear that he may want to build on some of the car park eventually.

“But for now it will be good to see the business open once again for public use.

“If we can agree use of the old skittle alley for the community, that will be of great benefit.”

The town council is in talks with the owner of the property over taking a long lease on the former skittles alley, to use it for activities including keep fit, parent and toddler sessions, and other classes.

New restaurant general manager Giorgio Merlino told the Voice he is currently recruiting 15 local people to staff the restaurant and cocktail bar.

He said: "The building needed a lot of work, and so it is being refurbished and fitted out.

"When we open, it will be a traditional family-run Italian restaurant, serving Sicilian cuisine updated to suit modern tastes.

"I used to live in Yate, and this will give the town a place to go for a special meal.

"It will have a separate cocktail bar with tapas.

"We are employing full-time professional staff, and would be interested in hearing from students to work part time.”

Mr Merlino said the pub gardens would eventually be refurbished to offer outdoor dining.

The pub has room for 200 diners inside, and ten guest bedrooms across two floors, and boasts many period features including beamed ceilings and old fireplaces.