The Lamprey, the large historic public house on Westgate Street, has been let to an out-of-town operator for a new concept bar and restaurant.

Bought only last month by local Gloucester property investor Charles Perkins from William Paige Ltd, the 7,500 sq ft site near Gloucester Cathedral has been swiftly rented and is due for a complete revamp.

Scheduled for opening prior to Christmas, work commenced at the site today (Friday, November 3) with a reported fit-out budget of £250,000.

The former long-term empty upstairs floors have also been let separately, bringing the whole building into use for the first time in many years..

The tenant is Matthew Bull, operator of Six Degrees of Separation and Thirteen Degrees in Cheltenham. He is also planning to open the cocktail bar at 94 Eastgate Street.

Mr Perkins said: "Gloucester is on the up and there is real sense in the city that things are moving forward. It is great to see outside business finally having confidence to invest outside of the docks area.

"We wish our new tenants all the best with their new venture and can't wait to visit when it is open. They have some great plans."