Restaurant and bar for Weston Park

A new restaurant and bar could open its doors at a South Staffordshire tourist attract in a bid to welcome more visitors through its doors.

Weston Park bosses have unveiled plans for the new 80-seater restaurant.

The new attraction would be located in the west wing of the 18th century listed Granary building, which was recently transformed into an art gallery and farm shop.

Under the proposals, pig sties would be demolished to make way for a kitchen and ancillary areas converted for food preparation and storage.

The plans are part of the latest phase in the Granary restoration project, unveiled just days after the grounds of the stately home were taken over by more than 85,000 music fans for this year's V Festival.

Colin Sweeney, chief executive of Weston Park said: "The development of a restaurant in the Granary at Weston Park is the last piece of the restoration project.

"It will compliment the farm shop and exhibition gallery experiences and further open up this amazing building for all year round public use."

Built in 1767 for Sir Henry Bridgeman, The Granary was a masterpiece of the 18th century agricultural revolution and is the last unused building to be restored on the estate.

The farm shop, which was completed in April, is now bursting with locally-produced food and drink and includes meats, cheeses and preserves.

A £1,000 grant is being used to develop children's activities in the house and at The Granary gallery.

It will mean that the gallery will be able to offer activities and equipment, including a new easel to encourage budding artists to develop an interest in the exhibitions around them.

The house will also be able to develop additional resources to draw attention to what it has to offer to younger visitors.

A decision on the restaurant plans is likely to be made by October 6. It is hoped it could open by spring next year.