A FORMER nightclub owner has won permission to turn one of Durham's oldest pubs into a real ale and steak house.

Magistrates granted Cafe Rock a provisional licence for the Traveller's Rest, in Claypath, after residents withdrew their objections.

They feared that the firm planned a young people's disco pub or nightclub as it owned the Cafe Rock and DH1 venues in North Road before selling to Vimac Leisure last year.

But the firm agreed to conditions limiting the capacity to no more than 275 people and to keep to the style of operation it described in court.

Cafe Rock director Steve Anderson said the firm was spending £400,000 on the Grade II listed building, which includes a 16th Century wall and features from the 17th Century, and aimed to fill a gap in the market.

The venture was aimed at older customers, featuring a pub on the ground floor and a steak restaurant on the first floor.

He told the North Durham Licensing Committee that it would not appeal to young "circuit'' drinkers as there would be no DJs playing loud music.

Mr Anderson said the revamp, which entails extending into the former Dragon Restaurant next door, would dispel the pub's previous reputation.

"It had a reputation of being the Giro bar. We used to get everybody when they had cashed their money,'' he said.

The firm decided to close during the daytime - it is now closed completely - after an anti-social behaviour.

He said the new look would attract a different clientele.

The committee was told the venture would employ about ten people, would have security cameras inside and out, would not seek extended hours and would let its public entertainment licence expire.

Objections had been lodged by St Anthony's Priory, the Claypath and District Residents Association, individual residents and the City of Durham Trust.

Afterwards, Mr Anderson said: "I'm glad we've got the licence, but disappointed it's gone on and on.

"I'd love to get it open for Christmas, but that's not possible now and it will probably be February.''