In the picturesque village of Shottery, near Stratford-upon-Avon, a fiery dispute has erupted over a newly built gastro pub, The Cask N Tandoor.
The pub, owned by Rakesh Singh, a wealthy hotelier and former Indian army officer, is under threat of demolition for allegedly flouting planning regulations.
From Haunted House to Gastro Pub
What once was a derelict property nicknamed the “haunted house” has been transformed by Singh into a vibrant Indian gastro pub serving sizzling tandoori dishes and street food.
Located within the grounds of Singh’s four-star Burnside Hotel, the pub also features a scenic outdoor dining terrace overlooking a brook.
However, its proximity to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage—childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife and a protected heritage site—has sparked concerns among conservationists and locals.
Planning Disputes and Allegations of Racism
Critics, including the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, argue that the pub fails to complement the character of the conservation area and accuse Singh of overdeveloping the site.
A retrospective planning application submitted by Singh in August was rejected by the council, with officials citing harm to the area’s historic charm and wildlife.
Minty Manhas, the manager of Singh’s hotel, claims the situation has been blown out of proportion.
She hinted that racial prejudice might be fueling some of the backlash.
“Brown and black skin may not sit well in this very white, middle-class village,” she remarked, adding that jealousy over Singh’s success could also be a factor.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
The pub has divided opinion among residents.
Some view it as an unwelcome addition disrupting the village’s quaint atmosphere, while others appreciate the diversity it brings to the local dining scene.
One resident described the pub as a “gaudy monstrosity” and blamed it for noise disturbances and damage to the brook.
In contrast, another business owner defended Singh, saying, “What wrong is he doing? Good luck to him.”
Singh’s Determination to Fight Back
Despite the mounting pressure, Singh has no plans to back down.
“Why would I demolish it?” Manhas questioned.
She explained that the pub was built to meet the demands of hotel guests and has been well-received by many locals.
If forced to comply, Singh intends to revert the space into two additional hotel rooms, which were originally approved in the planning application.
The Bigger Picture
This dispute has raised broader questions about balancing modern development with heritage conservation.
While Singh’s supporters argue that his business contributes to the local economy, detractors fear that such developments could set a dangerous precedent for ignoring planning regulations.
For now, the future of The Cask N Tandoor hangs in the balance as Singh considers appealing the council’s decision.
Meanwhile, the debate over this contentious pub continues to simmer in the heart of Shottery.
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