NATIONAL bar chain Barracuda could be bringing its growing portfolio of pubs to Kendal after plans were submitted to turn the town's former Booths store into a "contemporary" wine bar.

The company behind Lancaster's student bar, Varsity, as well as more than 160 pubs, bars and eateries across the UK, is hoping to turn the ground floor of the former Highgate supermarket into a "stylish" Smith & Jones bar creating around 30 jobs for the town if the plans go ahead.

Sarah Calderbank, spokesperson for the chain, said if South Lakeland District Council planners looked favourably on the plans, the 19th Century property which was badly damaged by a fire in July - would be decked out with a mix of old and new.

"Smith & Jones is a premium brand and the outlet will take its name from a local or historical connotation," she explained. "The bars generally have an emphasis on quality food and wine, appealing to shoppers, office workers and tourists using the town centre for both day and evening. Typical features include slate, wood block and carpet flooring, leather upholstery with reclaimed and salvaged fittings and architectural heritage colours that embrace the traditional finishes in a contemporary style."

If planners give the bar the go-ahead, Barracuda will lease the property from its Penrith-based owner, Cabinguild, which has plans in the pipeline to redevelop the rear of the former supermarket into 30 flats spreading over four floors.

Cabinguild also hopes to retain the basement level which would be below the bar as retail units while the floor above the proposed Smith & Jones bar would become accommodation.