A NEW shop is due to open on the site of a former pub in Berkeley next week after a long delay. 

The Midcounties Co-operative will open in the old Mariners Arms pub - which has been completely transformed - on Thursday, December 5.

The store will open at 9am following the ribbon cutting by Berkeley mayor Peter Hall.

Officials say the new store will replace the smaller Co-op site in Salter Street, with all colleagues transferring to the newly refurbished store.

The old Salter Street shop will close its doors for a final time on Wednesday, December 4 at 10pm.

Plans were officially revealed for the long-awaited scheme back in 2020 - where a planning application was submitted to Stroud District Council.

According to planning documents, the public house had been vacant since August 2015, and was previously struck by fire in April 2019.

New store manager Lucy Clist said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to our new store in Berkeley in December.

“There’s going to be some brilliant activity on the opening day, with 50 great prizes up for grabs and the chance to sample some of our best-selling products over the weekend.

“We’re thrilled to be able to invest in the local area and enhance the community by offering convenience, exceptional quality, and an extensive selection of Fairtrade products.

“We look forward to welcoming customers to the new store - and best of luck to the first 50 visitors who will receive a golden ticket!”

The new convenience store will be open from 7am to 10pm each day and will offer essential grocery items, from fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and flowers to wines, spirits and chilled beer.

It will also host a wide range of COOK frozen ready meals, as well as a Costa Express machine and hot food to go.

A new Midcounties Co-Operative is due to open on the site of the old Mariners Arms in Berkeley - old photo  (Image: Google Maps)