By now you’ve likely heard the news… Lidl is opening its first ever in-store pub.
The discount supermarket first lodged plans to open its first tap room in 2020 in Dundonald, just outside Belfast. However, it faced an objection from Philip Russell Ltd, which runs several off-licences across Northern Ireland.
But all of that is now ancient history as a high court judge saw ‘no good reason’ to refuse Lidl’s application, so the retailer is able to go ahead and open its £410,000 boozer.
And for those curious about what the pub is going to look like, you can now get an idea of what to expect, as the drawings submitted to local planning officials have been revealed.
The plans, first shared by the Mail, show that the pub will be located on the left side of the existing supermarket, at the opposite end of the store from the entrance.
According to the drawings, there will be six seats around the main bar, with 10 other tables/seating areas dotted around inside.
A lobby area, keg room, storage space with an ice machine, chill store, and office, with three toilets – a customer WC, an accessible unisex toilet and one for staff use only – are planned too.
The pub will also have an ‘off-sales’ area where customers can buy alcohol to consume off the premises, and an entrance/exit leading to the car park. A staff door leading into the store will be located at the back of the pub through the storage room, and there’s also an escape door pictured in the main space.
An image of the proposed front of the pub was also included with the drawings, showing where doors, windows and a sign containing the pub name would go.
The idea of a Lidl pub has, understandably, caused a stir amongst shoppers, who say they are ‘buzzing’ to have a drink there and claim it will be ‘amazing’.
On TikTok @cullan.m said: ‘I’m buzzing to have a Lidl pint, idk what it is about it but it just goes so crazy.’
While @garron_music on Instagram joked: ‘I can’t wait to see the carnage in the middle aisle when this gets going.
‘Waking up the next morning after a mental night in Lidl and turning over in the bed horrified to see what’s beside you – a thermal flask with a kitten on it, two pairs of Wellington boots, and a rice cooker that has a compartment that you can cook eggs in.’
And @lgbelfasteast on TikTok agreed, saying: ‘The middle aisle is going to be utter chaos.’
She added that a Lidl pub would be like ‘a 12-month-a-year Oktoberfest, and probably a whole lot cheaper than Oktoberfest.’
A few others were excited by the prospect of having a few drinks in the pub before hitting the Lidl bakery section. The bakery products have previously won awards, and the croissant in particular is considered a cult item by shoppers.
@danwillslev said: ‘A pint and a cookie sounds deadly but if the bakery ain’t next to the bar I’ll end up coming back with a garden set stg.’
While @18.06.05__ posted: ‘Lidl pub and bakery bout to hit different.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Forget about wine and cheese — pair your drinks with these crisps instead
MORE: This supermarket is vying to be ‘cheapest’ in UK — with prices lower than Aldi
MORE: Map reveals where snow could fall in UK after temperatures drop to -5°C
