A pub in the centre of Richmond may be turned into two new venues if licensing terms are approved.

The lease on 2-3 Duke Street, is available after The Duke pub was unable to reopen after lockdown.

This week not one but two hospitality companies applied for licensing permission to operate in the space.

Both applications seek to sell alcohol and play music over the same opening hours.

A company called Tavern Propco Ltd has applied for the licence at 2 Duke Street.

They are seeking a new premises licence to sell alcohol between 10am and 11pm Monday-Thursday and until half past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bricks and Fuel Ltd is looking to run 3 Duke Street and is seeking the same licensing terms.

Even if permission is granted, both venues would only be able to remain open until 10pm under current rules.

Residents can send their comments on the two application by emailing [email protected] by November 12.

Farewell to The Duke

Sadly, the pub will not be reopening.

The same note has remained in the front of this pub since lockdown began.

Dated March 17 and titled WE ARE CLOSED, it reads: "During the challenging trading conditions which are unfortunately impacting the hospitality business in a hugely negative way at the moment, we've sadly taken the difficult decision to close the Duke until further notice.

"We're sorry, and we'll miss you, and we hope to see you again on the other side. In the meantime, please look after yourselves and each other. Team Duke x."

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