A landlord in Keele is seeking permission to use an old stable block at the side of her pub after it transpired the barn requires its own separate licence.

Kirsty Fradley took over the Sneyd Arms just over a year ago, and gave the whole pub a refresh.

In July, she then opened up the former stables, which had been derelict for 35 years, following a £20,000 makeover.

Formerly known as The Tack Room, it's now called The Knights Templar and Kirsty had planned to make the space available for events as well as live performances on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, a complaint about noise in December revealed it didn't have the necessary licence in place and Ms Fradley was asked to close it down until she had permission to use it.

Landlady, Kirsty Fradley, took over the pub just over a year ago (Google).

Officers at Newcastle borough council said in a report: "The reason that a new premises licence application has been made is that the barn area to the side of the premises area, known as the Knights Templar, has recently been converted for use as a bar and events area.

"Whilst shown on the historic plan, it was not clearly included in the licensable area and now has a separate bar area of its own."

They added: "The requirement for a new premises came to light following a noise complaint on the 15th December 2022 in relation to an event at The Knights Templar bar on the weekend previous.

"The premises owners were under the impression that the newly converted area was covered under the current licence, however upon discussion with the licensing administration team it was found that the area was not covered as a unit to sell alcohol under the original plan."

Council staff told Ms Fradley she would need to stop any licensable activities – which includes live music serving alcohol – within the Knights Templar building until a new licence is granted.

They noted in their report that there has only been one other complaint recorded in relation to noise at the pub – and this was made over ten years before Ms Fradley took on the venue.

A decision will be made on Tuesday (21st July) about what activities can take place at The Knights Templar.

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