Village pub in Berkshire to become wine bar and shop

The Greyhound pub in Wargrave has been closed since its tenant landlord Steven Linstead held one last shindig in December 2021.

Although the building remains, the only traces of its use are photos and videos shared by punters on the ‘Memories of the old Greyhound Inn’ Facebook page.

Photos show that the pub was dog-friendly and regularly hosted live music.

But now The Greyhound is set to be converted into a wine bar, shop, and guest house after Wokingham Borough Council’s planning department approved plans for changes.

Changes involve converting the area known as the former Smithy into a wine bar with access to the courtyard, and turning the pub space into a shop while retaining the kitchen and toilets on the ground floor.

The Greyhound at the junction of the High Street and School Lane in Wargrave. The Old Blacksmiths Shop is set to become a wine bar. Credit: Google Maps

Rooms on the first floor will function as visitor accommodation, with four double bedrooms being provided.

Outside, changes to an existing outbuilding will create a two-storey building with flexible uses, with six car spaces and 20 cycle parking spaces being provided.

The plans were approved last July.

The approved ground floor plan for changes to The Greyhound pub in Wargrave. Credit: Leslie Jones Architecture

It has since been revealed that the plan was submitted by the H’artisan Speciality Coffee Company.

There has been little news of the project to bring the pub back into use since the plan was approved.

Nonetheless, the project has been welcomed by councillor Graham Howe, who represents the village.

The approved first floor plan for changes to The Greyhound pub in Wargrave. Credit: Leslie Jones Architecture

Cllr Howe (Conservative, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe) said: “The Greyhound was in great need of reparations even to keep it as it was.

“In order for them to do what they want to do with it that’s going to take time.

“I’m no building expert but it does need work. Work is going to be in operation for six months at least.”

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H’artisan is a relatively new company itself. The site the business took over had been the offices of Talbot & Associates, which is understood to have closed in 2020, with H’artisan seen occupying the building from 2021 onwards.

Cllr Howe said: “They renovated their current site from what was previously offices and now it is one of the places in the community where mums and families go to have a break on the weekend.

“They have spent a great deal of money and attention to detail.

“They have done a great job actually, a really good job.”

H’artisan is also partnered with the Rapha Cycling Club, which provides a space for cyclists to meet.

Cllr Howe added: “I am sure whatever they do with The Greyhound it will be done well and proper.”

You can view the approved application by typing reference 223795 into Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal.

The owners of H’artisan did not respond to a request for comment.