A Mirfield woman hopes to turn a former laundrette on The Knowl into a wine shop and tasting room.
Rachel Hall has applied to Kirklees Council for a premises licence for ‘On The Vine At The Vinery’ at 57 The Knowl, next to Maughans Bakery.
Rachel said the unit had been empty for about 10 years and would need extensive refurbishment before it could open.
Her plans include wines from around the world, a small number of tables, wine tastings and gifts, plus a small menu including charcuterie and ploughman’s boards.
Rachel, who lives close to the proposed shop and works in patient transport for the ambulance service, said it would be her first business venture.
She said: “My partner and I went to Once Upon a Vine in Wetherby and that’s where I got the idea.
“I thought it would be nice to bring something like that to Mirfield. There would be a few tables where people could sit in and the plan is to offer cheese and charcuterie boards.
“I want it to have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”
Rachel said the proposed business would have a similar small, independent feel to Sup, the craft beer shop on Nettleton Road, but would focus on wine.
The name The Vinery is a nod to a Mirfield business which Rachel says traded in the town during the 1960s from premises now occupied by the Wood Dental Surgery.
She has asked residents to share their views through the On The Vine At The Vinery Facebook page, saying she wanted honest feedback before taking the plans further.
More than 230 people had liked a post about the proposal on Mirfield Matters. She said much of the response had been supportive, although concerns had been raised about parking and the possibility of late-night opening.
A public notice says The Vinery Limited has applied for permission to sell alcohol for consumption away from the premises between 9am and midnight and for consumption on the premises between noon and midnight.
Residents and responsible authorities have been invited to submit representations to Kirklees Council by Monday, July 20.
No opening date has been set and the plans remain subject to the council’s decision.
Image: Google Earth
