One of Wycombe's oldest buildings is getting ready to be turned into another cocktail bar after its previous owner left owing “substantial” rent.
After only being open for a number of months, The Wheatsheaf now has new owners with the building set to become stay as a cocktail bar and is set to become Feel Lounge UK.
A sign that is the doors says the bar will be "coming soon" and that "experienced bar staff wanted for this exciting new cocktail bar in the centre of High Wycombe."
Before this, a notice was appearing on the door to say the lease has been forfeited "for non-payment of rent".
The Grade-II listed building is around 700 years old and is the second oldest building in the town behind All Saints Church.
The Buckinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust (BHBT) painstakingly restored the timber-framed building, bringing it back to life after years of being partially empty and neglected but were left reeling after the painstaking restoration of the unit.
The previous cocktail bar at 2/3 High Street closed without warning just months after the opening and left owing “substantial” rent.
There was huge excitement about the bar, with hopes it could help revive the high street - but it never really seemed to get off the ground.
There was supposed to be a New York-style neighbourhood bar and restaurant on the bottom floor with another bar, hidden in the walls, on the second floor offering an exclusive cocktail list.
The top two floors were to be used for movie nights, charity galas and private events with cocktail classes, live music, and even brunch events.
A Kickstarter page was launched urging people to donate cash to help get the bar off the ground.
In return for cash, those who donated would be given rewards, ranging from tickets to cocktail classes, tickets to the opening party, dinner for two and private dining, to even having a cocktail named after those who donated more than £1,000.
A total of £21,140 was pledged by 84 kind-hearted people, but it is not clear if all - or any - of the 'rewards' were handed out before they closed.
There is no official opening date for the new bar but Wycombe will hope that this will be a more successful outcome.
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