A popular Leamington café and wine bar is planning to expand its current venue to facilitate space for a larger social and entertainment venue.

A planning application has been submitted by the owners of Southbound Cafe-Bar, located at Unit 12 at the Victoria Business Centre in Neilston Street in Leamington.

The application seeks permission to convert the neighbouring Unit 11, formerly a reupholstery business for more than eight years, into additional space for the licensed café-bar.

The new unit will be used for customer toilets and a sound-insulated performance area for live music.

Southbound Café-Bar first opened in 2024 in part of Unit 12.

With demand increasing, particularly for indoor seating during the winter months, the business says the expansion is essential to accommodate its growing clientele.

Plans have been submitted for Southbound Cafe-Bar to also occupy the neighbouring Unit 11, to be used as additional space for the licensed café-bar (image via planning application)

The applicant points to a decline in anti-social behaviour since new hospitality businesses opened in the arches, and believes the trend will continue.

The planning application states: "Together with the neighbouring tap rooms, we have built up a new and dynamic social zone in the heart of the old town.

"Southbound has quickly gained a reputation with performing artists as a leading Midlands venue for blues and jazz and so is of growing cultural importance for the town."

The owners also say noise concerns are being addressed in the new plans, which include sound insulation for live music.

View the full plans here.