The Lion roars again, Shambles new pavement and Canta Napoli shop-front refused

The Lion Pub has been re-opened.  The new leaseholders are French and the welcome is very warm - in French and English!   

Julien, the new manager, has many plans for the pub including “a full refurbishment in May this year, new carpet and a French restaurant”.  There’s a good selection of wine in new shatter-proof designer wine glasses on offer and the pub will have rugby on, but not football.  Smart casual clothes are requested on the door, no work clothes!  Have you been in for a visit?

Shambles Restaurant is now safely behind a 'kerb build-out' which is being completed!  The restaurant’s listed canopy was repeatedly damaged by vehicles and now the new kerb will protect the restaurant and the canopy.  It will allow more people to park their bikes in the centre of town, when it's finished.  Do take care as you drive past as the road is narrower there now!  What do you think of the new pavement?

Canta Napoli Restaurant has been refused retrospective permission for the new frontage of the restaurant.  The new style set back restaurant, incorporating tables and chairs out front, has caused some controversy in Teddington, with local people and with the council.

After complaints about the frontage not being in keeping with the conservation area and the other retail outlets, permission has been refused.  Several residents in the flats above objected, also the freehold owner of several of the flats. 

What is going to happen now?  Will the tables and chairs will be removed and the windows (or another set of windows) be replaced? 

Local opinion is divided.  Some people think the restaurant is an asset to the High Street, somewhere reasonable to eat especially with children.  Others think the shop front is too bright, not in keeping for the conservation area and doesn’t fit in with the other retail outlets in that part of the High Street.  What’s your opinion?  

 

Let the rest of Teddington know what you think by leaving your comments below.