A former pub in the centre of Gloucester could be reopened as a new food and drink venue in the near future.
Gloucester City Council wants to find a new occupier for the former Chambers pub in Kings Square, to open a new food and drink establishment which would 'lift the ambience' of the area neighbouring two multi-million-pound developments.
The Chambers closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the council-owned building, on the corner with Market Parade, has been vacant ever since.
Leader of the council Jeremy Hilton has told Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter, this May 2025 that the council would like to see a food and drink business occupy the space, to create an establishment that would be attractive to people working and studying in the area.
The 3,500 sq ft site was advertised on a leasehold basis early in 2024 and a bid was received to open a new pub with a cafe, food and games space, but nothing came of that proposal.
With the £200 million regeneration of Gloucester's Kings Quarter – including The Forum development and the new University of Gloucestershire campus at the former Debenham's building – set to be completed this year, Jeremy Hilton says the former pub's location is ideal for a food and drink establishment.
He said: 'It would lift the ambiance of Kings Square and would be an attraction for people working in the Forum.
'That is the preference of the council. It has been empty for too long.
'The time is getting right now. It will take time to fit it out. It will all be done when the Forum is finished.
'With the university campus opening it will all add to the number of people that would use such a place.
'You want somewhere that is a nice place for people to sit down, have a chat, have something to drink and eat after work.'
