Wetherspoon pub is 'more affordable' space for town

The Wetherspoon pub will take the place used by a former M&Co store

A new Wetherspoon pub will "offer more affordable social spaces" according to a council leader.

The pub operator said it would create 70 new jobs when it opens The Grand Assembly in Marlow, Buckinghamshire on 24 September.

Town council leader Chris Funnell said the new business had "got our local residents talking" but believed it would "bring jobs, increase foot traffic, and offer more affordable social spaces".

"Personally, I welcome the choice it offers during tough times and commend any business willing to make this level of investment," he said.

Wetherspoon said it had spent £3.5m developing the pub in the Market Square in the former M&Co store.

The name of the venue has been taken from assemblies hosted at the former Market House, adjacent to the site.

It explained: "Typical of the 18th and 19th century, assembly halls provided gathering spaces for members of the higher social classes and played host to masquerade balls, public concerts and general assemblies."

The pub will be decorated with historical photos of the area, artwork by local contributors and subtle nods to the gothic novel Frankenstein which was written by Mary Shelley while she lived in Marlow in 1817.