A proposal has been lodged to turn a historic vacant public bar in Kells, Ballymena into a licensed restaurant.
Plans were lodged in recent days by Wellington Bistro NI Limited for the premises on Station Road in the village.
Directors John Adams along with his son Dr. Daryl Adams are optimistic about the application. The family owns Rococo, Gatto's Ristorante, and the Barber Shop in Ballymena as well as Rococo in Antrim.
Speaking to Geoffrey Moffett at CausewayCoast Coast Community this morning Dr. Daryl Adams said:
"We are extremely excited to be taking on the project in Kells.
“The historic public house has remained derelict for a number of years and it would be fantastic to see it open and trading as a licensed restaurant in the heart of the village.
He went on to say: "These are difficult times for hospitality with a number of closures in recent weeks but we are optimistic that Kells will be a great success. We hope to employ 4 full-time & 2 part-time staff to begin with."
The application will go before the planning committee later this year.