Plans for pub at former local newspaper offices

A former local newspaper building which has been empty since the pandemic could be turned into a pub.

Stoke Mill in Guildford, the former Surrey Advertiser headquarters, could be transformed into a destination pub if a planning application by brewery and pub company McMullen and Sons is approved.

The former offices was bought by McMullen and Sons earlier this month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Staff have not worked there since the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020.

Plans put forward include building a single-storey extension at the front and back of the building.

Documents show the extension would take up around 30 per cent of the original front garden, with the remaining 70% revamped into a "vibrant and destination beer garden".

Jenny Strathern, property director for McMullen and Sons, said: "Stoke Mill, previously used as offices by Reach Plc, is situated on a picturesque riverside plot, has a rich history and offers a prime location for our latest venture."

The site on Woking Road has had various functions, including a paper mill, a corn mill and offices.

The planned investment in the premises is more than £4.5m.

If planning permission is granted by Guildford Borough Council, the company would still also have to get licensing permission from the authority.

The Hertfordshire company said the pub would employ around 25 full-time and 40 part-time staff.

An outbuilding on the north-west corner of the site would be demolished to make way for more car parking spaces.

Currently the office block has 60 spaces but, if permission is granted, 69 parking bays would be provided with three disabled parking spaces.

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