Plans for a new restaurant and bar to be created in Watford town centre are now one step closer to a reality.

In December it was reported that The Beech House, which has five venues so far including one in St Albans, has eyed up an empty unit on the high street at Atria Watford.

Now conditional planning permission has been granted for the pub, which would take up two floors at the shopping centre’s extension and offer outdoor dining space.

It has been granted on the basis that the development begins within a three-year period and it is carried out following the drawings proposed.

The Beech House serves both food and drink, including meat, fish, pasta, pizza, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as coffee, cocktails, beer, and bubbly, bottomless brunches, and more.

The application seeks to change the use of the unit, next door to Cote, into a restaurant and bar.

There are also plans for an outdoor dining space on the ground floor with the creation of a small mezzanine space.

The Beech House is owned by Oakman Inns and Restaurant Ltd which has been awarded the 'best community pub operator' three times in four years by the Publican Awards.

Oakman Inns says The Beech House will be an "excellent addition" to Watford town centre.