A new business producing the ancient alcoholic drink mead is hoping to set up shop under railway arches in Leamington Spa.

Colin Paterson has applied to Warwick District Council for planning permission to change the use of a currently-vacant unit at Victoria Business Centre, Neilston Street, Leamington, into a meadery, education facility, community meeting space and ancillary bar.

It is proposed to feature a brewing and demonstration area, cool room, retail space, toilets and customer areas inside and outside the unit.

Mead is one of the earliest known alcoholic drinks to be produced by humans, fermenting honey, water and yeast. It was surpassed over time due to the production of wine and beer being cheaper and easier.

In his application, Mr Paterson sets out how he envisages the facility offering far more than a niche product.

"We aim to create a unique destination celebrating local produce, traditional fermentation and sustainable craftsmanship," he wrote.

"Through tastings, guided experiences and community-focused activities, we hope to build a loyal customer base while contributing positively to the local economy and the independent business community.

"When production is not taking place, the premises will also provide a welcoming and inclusive community space. We will introduce an 'empty chair' initiative, encouraging those who may otherwise be socially isolated to join designated communal tables if they wish, helping to create opportunities for conversation and companionship. Participation will always be voluntary.

"The venue will also host small community meetings, educational workshops, book clubs, board game evenings and talks on traditional fermentation, beekeeping and local food production, together with other low-impact community activities.

"The premises include accessible facilities that are not readily available in comparable venues within the immediate area, enabling a wider range of people, including those with mobility needs, to participate fully.

"We believe the meadery will become a valued community asset that supports social inclusion, lifelong learning and the vitality of Leamington Spa's town centre."

The business also plans to offer craft cider, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks at its ancillary bar.

"Its purpose is to complement the working meadery by allowing visitors to sample products where they are produced, take part in guided tastings and learn about the history and production of one of the world's oldest fermented beverages," Mr Paterson adds.

"The bar is not intended to operate as a destination drinking establishment but as an integral part of the visitor experience, supporting education, hospitality and retail sales of products produced on site.

"The atmosphere will be warm, intimate and experience-led with comfortable seating, soft lighting and carefully controlled background music audible only within the premises.

"Any guest performances will be acoustic only with no amplification internally or externally.

"The business is not intended to operate as a late-night drinking venue. Alcohol consumption will remain ancillary to the primary use of the premises as a working meadery, educational facility and visitor attraction."

The planning application was lodged with the council in August and has already secured supportive comments following a visit from Warwickshire Police's Crime Prevention Design team.

"It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into the design of the interior of the property," their statement read.

"There are no grounds for Warwickshire Police to object to this application."