Lidl is set to open its first ever in-store pub in Northern Ireland, following permissions granted by a High Court this week.

During the ruling on Monday (27 January), judge Mr Justice Colton dismissed an appeal raised by another trader over plans for the pub in the discounter’s Dundonald store, stating he saw “no good reason for refusing the application”, Sky News reported.

Court documents revealed that Lidl’s proposals for the pub including seating for around 45 customers and an off-license area for visitors to purchase alcohol to take away.

It marks the latest step in the legal battle which previously saw complete drinks wholesaler Philip Russell object to planning permission for the pub, which was first granted to the supermarket chain in August 2020.

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The business claimed Lidl had failed to establish whether there was an inadequate number of other licensed premises close to the site, which is a requirement of licencing laws in Northern Ireland.

However, in the latest hearing, Colton determined that the grocer had established the “inadequacy” of local pub offerings and that Lidl’s pub would replace two pubs previously based in the area.

The judge added that the supermarket would spend at least £410,000 on its proposals and highlighted that the pub would be based in the centre with established shopping, transport facilities and a growing adult population.

Colton stated: “I am satisfied that this is a bona fide application and that the applicant fully intends to operate the premises as a public on/off-licence.”