AN award-winning Boscombe bar has been granted permission to expand.

Back in April, Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar announced plans to extend into the neighbouring empty unit in Christchurch Road, formerly a Credit Union bank, and Bournemouth council has now given its approval.

Bar owner Harry Seccombe says the new space will be used to create a restaurant with 30 covers and a wider range of food.

A report by council planning officer Stuart Ashford states: "The unit next door, until relatively recently, was the site of a long-standing financial and professional services business.

"The business has now closed and the unit has been empty since."

"Chaplin’s wish to expand into this vacant unit to provide a dining area not able to be physical realised within the constraints of the existing bar."

The report says the Chaplin's basement will be left untouched, but the ground floor of the existing bar will undergo "minor internal alterations".

"These will take the form of a small kitchen and serving area being removed and relocated to the expanded unit. This space will be converted to an open bar area for patrons."

The bar has scooped numerous awards over recent years, including Best Night Out in the BH postcode in the 2018 BAPTAs and Britain's Best Beer Garden 2016.

Mr Seccombe says he wants to win further recognition for the 'foodie' side of the business.

He said: "We already do quite good food, but the experience could be a bit better by having a dedicated restaurant, rather than a bar restaurant.

"We are aiming to get a rosette with the restaurant – that's what we are heading towards."

The existing food offer has a French brasserie theme.

The new part of the venue would be renovated along the lines of its 'Victorian' theme, including its façade.

Mr Seccombe, who has previously been chairman of the Boscombe Forum and has worked on the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan, says he hopes the expanded venue will help draw more visitors to that part of the town, and boost other businesses as well.