A former High Wycombe pub that has been revealed as the second oldest standing building in the town could be transformed into a cocktail bar and tapas restaurant.

The old Wheatsheaf Inn, number 2 and 3 High Street, was believed to have been built in 1399.

For many years, the historic building has been split into shops - but after it was revealed in 2019 that the Buckinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust wanted to "breathe new life into it", new plans to turn it into a bar have been put forward.

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If given the go ahead by Buckinghamshire Council, the ground floor of the Grade-II listed building will become a mixology/tapas bar serving "unique" cocktails and "British local produce tapas" throughout the week.

The first floor will have a "mixology/speakeasy" use from Thursday to Sunday, with opportunities for community use from Monday to Wednesday.

The second floor will be mainly for community use.

The building's cellar will only be used for storage.

Plans submitted in the week say the community use of the building could range from craft groups to classes and lectures as well as private hire of the space.

Giles Quarme Architects, who put together detailed plans for the overhaul, said the repair and reuse of the iconic town centre building is "critical to its future survival".

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If the plans go ahead, it will need some building works - including adding in two new lifts, repositioning the staircase and adding accessible toilets.

The former pub is the second oldest standing building in High Wycombe - second only to All Saints Parish Church.

Research into the history of the former pub has found that it was once likely part of a larger, high-status medieval building.

Sources suggest it had become the Wheatsheaf inn by the 17th century and a coffee house by 1700.

The pub was reportedly owned by local brewing family in the late 18th century and apparently became one of Wheelers' many Wycombe pubs in the 19th century.

Wheelers gave the pub a controversial makeover in 1895 but after fire broke out in 1903, it was sold and converted into a shop.

By the 1930 it was divided into two shops.

Only one shop remains open in the building, fashion store Anabelle.

View the planning application online at www.wycombe.gov.uk/pages/Planning-and-building-control/Planning-applications/Find-a-planning-application.aspx - search 20/05908/FUL

What do you think of the plans? Let us know - email stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk.