Just what the doctor ordered! Former pharmacy becomes cafe bar
It used to dispense prescriptions - but a former pharmacy in the Black Country will now be serving up a different kind of tonic as it is on the way to being transformed into a microbar and cafe.
School friends Simon Dunne and Will Stephenson are aiming to be pulling pints in their new venture, aptly named The Old Dispensary, on Causeway Green Road in Oldbury by the middle of February.
It comes after planning permission was granted for the build in February 2016 after the building had stood empty for more than a year.
At the time of approval, residents raised fears about noise and anti-social behaviour.
Now plans for its future have been revealed with Mr Dunne saying he hopes it will be a 'place for all the community'.
He explained: "We got the keys in December after a lot of obstacles were put in our way.
"When the pharmacy came up for rent we knew it was always something that we wanted to do.
"There were a lot of rumours circulating about what we would turn it into - it has been a long drawn out process."
He continued: "We have got a lovely sized garden out the back which will have a smoking shelter there.
"In the day time we will hope to serve croissants and cakes so that families can come in and then from midday onwards we will be serving drinks. Lot of local breweries will be getting involved with craft and real ales and we will serve buffet food too.
"We won't be putting up with any anti-social behaviour we want to be a family friendly place for all the community."
Mr Dunne and Mr Stephenson both work in the construction trade and will be undertaking most the building work by themselves.
The bar is licensed to take around 100 people.
Sandwell Council planning officers recommended approval for the use of the shop to be converted into a licensed bar with beer garden.
