A long-closed Gloucester city centre pub is poised to reopen as a vibrant food and drink hub aimed at revitalizing Kings Square’s atmosphere.
The former Chambers pub, situated on the corner of Market Parade, shut its doors during the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic and has remained boarded up ever since.
Gloucester City Council previously advertised the prime 3,500 sq ft leasehold site, attracting at least one proposal envisioning a pub with café offerings alongside food and games spaces. Unfortunately, that concept did not progress further.
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Now, council leadership is focused on securing a popular food and drink establishment that will appeal to local workers, students, and visitors alike. With the upcoming completion of the nearby Forum development and the newly established university campus in the former Debenhams building, council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) highlights the location’s promising potential.
“It would truly lift the ambiance of Kings Square and become a go-to spot for those working at the Forum,” Hilton said. “The site has been vacant for too long.”
He added that timing is now right for the redevelopment. While fitting out the venue will take some time, work will coincide with the Forum’s completion. The influx of students from the nearby university campus will further boost footfall.
“We want somewhere inviting for people to relax, chat, and enjoy good food and drink after work,” Hilton explained.
The council has been clear in its vision for the space to become a destination for both daytime and evening activities since it launched its leasehold campaign in 2023. There is also hope the new venue will nurture a café culture that showcases the region’s talented food and drink producers.
Originally opened on September 21, 1999, the Chambers pub was established on the former site of the Pearce Pope offices, historically known as St Aldate’s Chambers.
Reopening this site as a thriving food and drink establishment promises to breathe new life into Gloucester’s city centre and Kings Square, creating an attractive social hub for the community.