A NEW fine dining and cocktail bar is set to open in Basingstoke this autumn.

As previously reported, an empty unit at the Top of Town is being transformed into a new bar and restaurant after plans were given the go-ahead.

READ MORE: Plans approved for bar and restaurant in former Basingstoke bank

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council approved plans to change the former Lloyds Bank, in Winchester Street, into Vaultz Bar Restaurant.

Work is now underway to transform the unit into a fine dining and cocktail bar ready to open in the autumn.

Ernie Phelps, who is the current owner of Plush Lounge Bar, in Wote Street, is behind the project which will see the ground floor and basement of the property transformed.

Vaultz Bar Restaurant is described on its new website as ‘a new and exciting concept coming to Basingstoke this year’.

It will offer ‘fine dining’ with fresh food cooked on site, with table service.

Residents are encouraged to follow the venue’s journey as the building work takes place, with ‘more announcements promised soon’.

The new business is now recruiting staff including general manager, head chef, sous chef, junior chef, waiters, mixologist and bar staff.

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The building was empty for almost four years after Lloyds Bank closed. The upstairs of the building was brought back into use when Tot City – a role-play centre for children – opened last year.

The borough council has granted a premises licence for the venue for the bar and restaurant to open Monday to Saturday between 11.30am and 2am, and on Sundays from 11.30am to 12.30am.

Environmental health officers were consulted on the proposals and did not raise any objections to the applicant’s proposed opening hours.

However, officers recommended that the use of an outdoor terraced area at the rear of the building is only used between the hours of 12pm to 11pm.

It said: “This is to minimise disturbance to nearby residents.”