MIXED reactions have greeted revelations that a new bar is heading to Gloucester Docks.
Plans are being made to open Coal Grill & Bar in the Pillar and Lucy Warehouse.
Owner of the small chain John Gater said Gloucester was the 'ideal' location for his business.
He is about to exchange contracts on the lease of the listed building and is due to hear next week about his licensing application.
He hopes to open the door of the venue in October.
He said: "We already trade really well in Exeter and Bristol so when the opportunity came along for Gloucester we thought it was ideal.
"It is extremely pretty there and has a certain unique appeal.
"We prefer character buildings and won't have to do much to the warehouse to make it ready."
Recruitment for the 26 full and part-time staff required to run the venue is due to begin shortly.
Jan van der Elsen, from the Sula Lightship Buddist Centre in the Docks, said: "It's absolutely brilliant.
"There is finally so much movement in the Docks area.
"It has been deprived of reasons for people to come here in the past.
"There has been a lack of restaurants and bars so more coming in will get the attention it deserves."
He said the opening of Portivo Lounge and Ed's Easy Diner had not had much impact on footfall yet, but it was still "early days".
But Sherie Sterry from Caffe Tucci in Gloucester Quays disagreed.
She said: "It's probably just what it doesn't need.
"I think there's so many different bars and restaurants and fast food joints here.
"There must be about 20 and I don't think it's good to have that many all in one place.
"For people living down here it would be much better to have a launderette or florist."
