A Japanese-inspired business in Leamington is planning to open a new bar specialising in sake and Japanese culture.

According to plans, the proposed venue, Lucky Shiba, will be located on Neilston Street, with hopes it will become a part of "the area's existing community of independent businesses."

Currently, the site is vacant and was most recently occupied by French & Launders operated by R&S Laundry Services LTD.

The space is now set to be transformed into an upmarket Japanese-style listening bar, serving alcoholic drinks including Japanese sake, alongside tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks.

The owners, who have run an established Japanese-inspired business in the heart of Leamington for the past five years, said they had seen growing demand from customers for a dedicated social space.

In the planning documents, it is stated the new bar would be "experience driven" rather than focused on high-volume alcohol sales, with an emphasis on creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

The venue will feature soft lighting and music played on vinyl, with the sound intended to remain contained within the premises.

The business has previously hosted three large-scale events in Leamington and Warwick, helping it build a community of customers with an interest in Japanese culture.

The owners said the new venture would allow them to offer customers "more valuable and meaningful experiences", while creating a niche and premium space in the town.

Despite being a licensed bar, the business is not set to operate as a late-night venue.

Rather, the proposed works are expected to be relatively limited, with the premises already returned to a blank but usable space.

No new walls or changes to the existing structure of the building are planned. Instead, improvements will focus on furniture, light carpentry and decoration to create the Japanese-inspired interior.

The application has been met with an influx of support comments, backing the plans.

One commenter shared: "I believe this project will contribute positively to the local economy by bringing something new and unique. It is a bit of fresh air having something new that is not a barbers or a coffee shop in Leamington."

Another shared they were "really excited about the plans for Lucky Shiba Sake Bar and fully support bringing this unique concept to Leamington."

They noted it's "fantastic" to see local entrepreneurs investing in something different that will bring more variety and character to the town. They added that, as Leamington's first dedicated Japanese-themed sake bar, Lucky Shiba will offer a unique cultural and social experience that isn't available elsewhere locally.

However, others expressed concern about the potential noise pollution. One local resident who lives within 100m of the venue commented: " As a resident within 100m of this venue, I and my family are subjected to regular and persistent noise nuisance from the existing drinking establishments on Neilston Street.

"The noise arises from many sources but includes large numbers of people seated outside the venues, large numbers of people moving around until midnight, live or recorded music or even movies from within the venues.

This noise nuisance can often be three or four evenings/nights every week, sometimes starting at 5pm…"

The plans have now been approved. The decision notice stated: The proposal is acceptable in principle as a main town centre use on a site within the town centre. The proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on neighbouring amenity, subject to compliance with specific conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that planning permission is granted."

View the full plans here.