Bar to open despite residents' concerns over noise

The Cambridge Taproom has been given permission to open in this renovated building

Permission has been granted for a new bar to open, despite objections by residents fearing additional noise.

Cambridge City councillors gave the go-ahead to the Cambridge Taproom in a rebuilt retail space on King Street, backing on to Christ’s College.

King Street Neighbourhood Association claimed the bar could lead to more noise, disturbing people living locally.

However, the owners of the new bar said they did not feel their business would add to the noise in the area.

Tom Thacker, owner of the Cambridge Taproom, told councillors: "As a fledgling independent business in the heart of the city, the goal will be to forge relationships with the local community and with other businesses."

He said the pricing of their products would ensure the place would not encourage binge drinkers.

Mr Thacker's colleague, Geoffrey Nix, added: "Our average customer comes in for about 45 minutes, has two drinks, normally small measures thirds or half, they are not coming in drinking five, six pints and staggering out to make a nuisance on the street."

Cambridge City Council's licensing sub-committee granted permission for the pub to have a licence to sell alcohol but refused a request for a licence to play recorded music.