A PROMINENT pub in the shadow of Hereford Cathedral will tone down its new-look exterior after a paint job turned out brighter than expected.

Bosses at the Spread Eagle on King Street painted the 17th century Grade II-listed building bright blue to coincide with the re-branding of the pub which is set to become a fish and chip bar.

But despite agreeing a suitable colour with Herefordshire Council, a first coat came out brighter than planned with a darker shade of blue expected to be in place by the end of this week.

Critics have said the new exterior of the pub, which will be called the Saltfish Fish and Chip Bar, isn't in keeping with the area.

"They could not have picked a worse colour than bright blue," said former county councillor and city resident, Glenda Vaughan-Powell. "It just stands out for all the wrong reasons."

Planning enforcement officers spoke to the pub's owners, the Steak and Cider Works Pub Company, about the colour on Monday.

Martin Hathaway, the company's managing director, said he hoped a re-paint would take place in the coming days.

"We had looked at colours with heritage [officials], and agreed on one," said Mr Hathaway.

"But when we painted it, it was really bright. It will be darker, hopefully by the end of the week."

Mr Hathaway said the controversial colour was a first coat.

He said the pub, which is due to re-open today, would be "a pub with a chip shop menu" and not a fish restaurant, adding he had been toying with the idea of launching Saltfish for some time.

Mr Hathaway confirmed those booked for Christmas meals at the venue will still be offered a traditional Christmas menu featuring turkey, along with other options, adding those with festive bookings have been contacted about the change.

Marc Willimont, the council's head of development management and environmental health, confirmed council officials visited the pub and agreed on a darker shade of blue.

"It will not stay as it is," he added.