From the Dover Mercury, 1 January 2015. By Beth Robson.

Plans to turn shop into wine bar given approval.

A new wine bar took a step closer to opening in the north part of Deal High Street after planning permission for a change of use was granted.

The property, at 152 High Street, will open over two floors and will sell drinks and snacks.

It prompted an objection by resident Gordon Dadd mainly because of noise concerns.

He said: “More alcohol consumption is going to lead to more anti-social behaviour.”

He likened the situation to an established conservation area pub which is quiet unless it’s the summer, when racket comes from opened windows and doors.

Unamplified music, like background or acoustic may be played on some occasions.

The owner, John Hill-Turner, said it was planned to use the back garden as a beer garden, but he conceded it would generate more noise which would be unpopular with neighbours so they withdrew that aspect of the planning application.

The property is 25 yards away from a new bar called Bloody Mary’s and is deemed by Mr Hill-Turner as a good opportunity to regenerate the area and move with the times. It will also prevent the quick turn over of tenants who rarely stay for more than a few years.

Mr Dadd asked whether there will be sufficient staff to police the noise and nuisance at closing time.

The owner said the upstairs residential accommodation will be occupied by his daughter and her partner, who will run the bar.

Cllr Bill Gardner added he was surprised the use of the cellar had not raised safety concerns with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, because there is only one access point.

The objector urged councillors to meet at the property before deciding.

But in light of the garden not being used in line with the town council’s recommendations, Cllr Gardner proposed the application be granted.

The planning committee voted in favour.

A shop in the High Street has been granted change of use and could be converted into a wine bar.

From the Dover Mercury, 8 September, 2016.

Bar creating a buzz with continental feel.

Its selection of eight different gins including a non-alcoholic one has made "Der Bar" a popular new addition to Deal High Street.

The new business, situated opposite the market at the north end
of the street, opened on July 17.

Proprietor John Turner said his aim was to try and create  something different for the town and he hopes it is filling a gap.

He said: “You’ve got traditional pubs but we’ve a very different kind of feel. We’re more continental which is why we went with "Der Bar."”

The name (pronounced “Dare Bear”) inspired the beers he and manager Stephen Withers chose to serve.

German beers, Belgian Pilsner and craft beers from around the world join local ales on the menu.

They’ve also finely selected a whole back bar of other spirits and liqueurs including eight different types of gin such as Opihr and Monkey 47.

But it’s non-alcoholic gin Seed-lip which has really got tongues wagging.

Mr Withers, who has worked at JD Wetherspoons pubs for the past seven years, said: “The non-alcoholic gin has been quite a hit particularly among pregnant women.

“They’ve spent the night drinking it and personally thanked us at the end.”

Originally working at The Solomon Cutler pub in Birmingham, he has been at the "Sir Norman Wisdom" in Queen Street for the last three years, where he worked his way up to assistant manager.

He said: “This business is about understanding what exactly it is the customer wants, and then delivering.

“We’ve had a great response from our customers so far about the choice of spirits, wines and beers that are available.”

The two floor venue is not serving food but bar snacks are available.

Mr Withers, a lifeboat volunteer, has introduced a sweet shop for customers where Skittles and Maltesers are available in exchange for a donation to the RNLI.

There is also a games cabinet complete with packs of cards and Pucket.

Mr Turner said: “There’s a very good ambience in here; we’re getting a cross-section of people from all age ranges and everybody seems to be getting a buzz off it.”