Kettering town centre pub set to re-open with noise reduction measures

The Old Market Inn in Market Place had been refurbished and opened under new management, introducing an ambitious menu and events programme.

But customers found the doors of the historic Kettering venue shut on July 23, less than five months since the revamp.

Now a new name will be above the door of the town centre venue as owners Star Pubs Trading Limited apply for a designated premises supervisor (DPS) from North Northants Council.

Conditions include measures to minimise noise nuisance for neighbours, stop the use of the beer garden after 10pm, a reduction on the focus on alcohol and a longer drinking-up period.

The application states: “Staff will be trained on the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 when they are recruited and given training in 'drugs awareness' as part of their induction. “A 30-minute extension of opening hours after the end of the sale of alcohol to promote this objective as the last drink will be consumed less quickly, with access to the pub's toilet facilities and the provision of non-alcoholic refreshment during this period. “Recorded music volume will be reduced to background level during the winddown period to create a mood change. A noise limiter is already installed and in use for live and recorded music. All windows and the rear emergency exit will be kept closed after 11pm. A notice will be placed prominently at the exits asking customers to leave quietly.” “No drinks shall be taken outside into the rear external area by customers after 10pm Monday to Sunday including bank holidays. After this time the rear external area shall be closed to all customers except for customers wishing to smoke.

"The external area shall be supervised by competent staff members on a regular basis and more frequently after this time, and steps taken where necessary to ensure that customers do not cause a public nuisance to nearby residents.” Noise reduction will be ensured by doors and windows being closed with emergency exits fitted with ‘well-sealed acoustic doors’. To keep the peace, the handling of beer kegs and bottles will only be permitted between the hours of 7am and 10pm daily as well as prior to any regulated entertainment taking place, an electronic sound limiting device is to be installed in the premises to control the level of noise breakout.

People wanting a say on the licensing application have until Wednesday, September 23 to comment on the pub’s trading conditions with proposed hours between 7am and 2.30am.

Marketed with a foundation tenancy and an annual rent of £32,000 – the estimated annual turnover of the business has been given as £433,434.

The Old Market Inn had previously re-opened in August 2019 after a major refurbishment saw the traditional boozer transformed into a more upmarket offer known for its bottomless brunches and club nights.

For the full licensing application search for 26/01594/LAVDPS by clicking on the North Northants Council licensing portal here.