Plans to bring the former Mermaid Inn on Tucker Street back in business have moved a step closer after the new owners of the pub applied for a license to serve alcohol.

The former boozer closed more than 10 years ago, and since then it has been the subject of numerous different planning applications, including turning part of the building into offices and housing.

But now it looks set to reopen as a pub and boutique hotel called The Sheep and Penguin.

If the license is granted, they can open between 9am and 1am, and sell alcohol between 9am and midnight.

On the Facebook page, set up for the new venture, it reads: "The Sheep & Penguin, formerly The Mermaid Inn has been given a top to bottom re-vamp. Serving craft ales, fine wines and cocktails alongside an edgy menu the traditional pub boozer is being turned on its head, exceeding the expectations of guests and locals.

The S&P is the sister pub of the The Queens Chew Magna, which is highly acclaimed after its recent rejuvenation by the same team of people."

The website for The Sheep and Penguin currently simply reads "Coming soon."