Cathedral 'plans wine bar chain'

Saturday, 6th September 2008
By Matt Cresswell

Birmingham Cathedral has revealed plans to launch a chain of cathedral-style wine bars in a bid to attract more worshippers.

The idea is part of a push to re-vitalise the image of the famous cathedral and to market it in the 21st century.

But traditionalist groups say it reeks of ‘desperation’ and will be ineffective in spreading the true Christian message.

The idea was the brainchild of Mark Hope-Urwin, a former executive of the department store chain John Lewis. His plans suggest a chain of cathedral wine bars throughout the city which would feature stained-glass windows and religious motifs. All bars would be kitted out in ‘episcopal purple’ and would support a loyalty card scheme. the rest