The award-winning couple behind a much-loved country pub near Grantham are planning a new venture in town.

In recent years Phil and Leanne Docherty have built up the Green Man at Ropsley into a highly acclaimed pub, with its many awards including it being Grantham CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020.

And during each lockdown, the couple have battled on with a range of delicious and popular take-away offerings.

Now, Phil Docherty has applied to South Kesteven District Council to change the use of an empty estate agents office into a cafe/takeaway operation.

The unit of the planned venture was previously the office of Country & Equestrian Homes on Station Road West at Grantham railway station.

The unit has public access from both Station Road (carpark side) and the platform itself.

The application said the premises have been vacant for more than a year and the previous business (estate agency) is considered unviable.

"Landlords (LNER) consider the addition of a food service outlet complimentary to the station complex."

The application said there would be no noise pollution issues and its operational hours would reflect the existing food and beverage concessions within the station although the cafe/take-away would offer takeaway and delivery until 10pm at night.

Applicant Phil Docherty told Nub News: "We're always exploring growth opportunities for the team and are certainly keen to spread our risk in the ventures we're involved in, especially given the learning curve of 2020.

"We've been establishing a number of possible pipeline ideas and we're looking at various premises in Grantham and further afield for 2021/22.

"Rest assured, our primary focus is to open the doors back up at Green Man, Ropsley, and return it to the vibrant and award winning country pub it's become.

"It's takeaway and delivery business has enjoyed an impressive level of trade throughout each lockdown and the whole team are raring to get going again".