A PUB in Thornbury which had recently changed hands, will not be open until the early hours of the morning as had previously been believed.

The Royal George, which used to be part of the Mezze restaurant chain, had left nearby residents concerned about potential noise after it had been noticed that the pub would continue the existing 3am licence.

But at an open event last night, ahead of its grand opening next month, for neighbours and other stakeholders, worries were put to rest as representatives from the Bermondsey Pub Company sought to clarify their intentions for the business.

The changes to the licence which had caused confusion included a rewording that would allow smokers to go in and out of the pub after doors closed.

The planning application also shows a design for a bar in the area at the back of the establishment, formerly used as a restaurant.

Speaking to the group, Bermondsey retail concept director Steve de Polo explained that the pub would close its doors at 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with an 11pm closure time every other night of the week and that the licence had also been altered to reintroduce noise limiting technology to keep the music being played to an acceptable level.

He also highlighted an intention to retain the family-friendly environment in the establishment and that they had retained all the Mezze staff to ensure a continuation of good service, with a target of half the business coming through food.

He said: “We have tried to create a new environment that fits in line with the history of the pub and the heritage of the town.

“We would love to be part of the makeup of Thornbury for 200 years, not two years.”

Highlighting the mix-up over the closing time, he added: “It would appear that there has been some confusion over the licencing on our end.

“We did not realise that there was a 3am licence on the venue and did nothing about it, which it seems was subsequently translated as our intention to keep the pub open that late, which we have no intention of doing.”

Openings manager Jason Harris supported this point, adding: “We are aiming to be a pub that serves great food and have no intention of getting a reputation as a late night venue.”

Guests were then invited to offer questions to the Royal George team, with most seemingly satisfied with their responses.

Thornbury town councillor Shirley Holloway, who had previously criticised the supposed intentions of the pub for its opening hours, praised the new owners for their commitment to fitting in with the town, saying: “It is lovely to see what you have done with the interior of the building and I think you have managed to allay all of the concerns that residents have put forward, so thank you.

“The Mezze has fit right into Thornbury life over the past few years and if you could keep to that level of standard, it would be wonderful.”