A traditional pub at the heart of a Weymouth community may soon get a fresh new look on the outside of the building.

Admiralty Taverns, which owns the Chapelhay Tavern in Chapelhay, has submitted an application for consent to display advertisements in relation to new pub signs and exterior lights.

Plans submitted to Dorset Council indicate that the proposed signage and lights will form part of a facelift for the exterior of the premises, which is situated at 36 Franchise Street.

The applicant wishes to place a total of seven illuminated and non-illuminated signs; two new lanterns, and four LED floodlights, on the outside of the 19th-century building.

Dorset Echo: A new pub sign proposed for the gable end of the pub A new pub sign proposed for the gable end of the pub (Image: SR Signs)

Drawings indicate the pub is to get a lick of paint, and that some of the new signs would replace existing signage currently painted on the outside of the building.

It includes a new sign on the outside of the skittle alley which runs alongside the pub.

The Chapelhay Tavern was one of five Dorset pubs taken over by Admiral Taverns in November 2019 when the chain purchased 137 sites across England from pub group Marston's. 

It, along with the Horton Inn in Wimborne, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland; the Rose and Crown in Sherborne, and the Cashmoor Inn near Blandford, all formed part of the £45 million deal.

Dorset Echo: How the pub could look if the plans are approvedHow the pub could look if the plans are approved (Image: SR Signs)
Despite being owned by a national chain, the Chapelhay Tavern remains true to its roots as a 'proper' community pub with a genuinely traditional feel, thanks to nautical memorabilia and historic artefacts that decorate the walls; friendly staff and regulars who are all on first-name terms.

The building was was originally two cottages and four small rooms before becoming a pub, and according to earliest records of its history that we could find, was purchased by Eldridge Pope brewery in 1921.

Dorset Echo: The former Prospect Inn also once served Chapelhay before it was closed down in 2007 and demolished to make way for housesThe former Prospect Inn also once served Chapelhay before it was closed down in 2007 and demolished to make way for houses (Image: Alan Winfield)

It is the only pub serving the Chapelhay community after the former Prospect Inn - also a skittles pub - closed down in 2007 before being demolished. A small terrace of houses now stands on the site.