MORNING walkers can now enjoy a glass of mulled wine after a popular meeting spot was granted extended opening hours.

The Pheasant Inn in Higher Burwardsley has been granted a licence to serve alcohol from 9am-1am under new legislation.

The restaurant and hotel, owned by Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, wanted to be able to serve winter warmer drinks to early morning walkers who meet in the car park.

They will also serve champagne breakfasts to guests and want to serve evening diners with late drinks.

Neighbours opposing the application said increased hours could cause the country pub to attract heavy drinkers, with increased traffic causing safety issues on the narrow entrance lane and increased crime in the area.

David Houghton of Higher Burwardsley Parish Council said: 'A country pub that is open late may serve as a magnet for late night drinkers.

'At the moment Burwardsley is a peaceful hamlet.'

But The Pheasant Inn licensee Andrew Nelson said he would not allow the inn to descend into chaos.

'It is not going to be a dusk til dawn disco while we are licensees. The intention is for our hours to remain from 11am-11pm except for champagne breakfasts and mulled wine for walk-ers.'

In a hearing on Wednesday last week, licensing subcommittee chairman Cllr Terry Ralph said: 'We feel that Mr Nelson is a responsible owner and we are going to grant the variation.' rebecca.taylor@cheshirenews.co.uk