Hail the micro-pub as real ale houses return to the UK
By: JimOldfield
April 17th, 2012
After the revolution of the micro-brewery comes… the micro-pub! And it’s already spreading like wildfire across southern England – as our drinking hostelries return to their one-arm-bandit-and-TV-free days of yore.
No frills – just seats, tables, beer and bog! That’s Martyn’s prototype micro-pub, the Butchers Arms.After the revolution of the micro-brewery comes… the micro-pub!
It was all started by Martyn Hillier, who launched his micro-pub in the 14ftx12ft Butchers Arms in Herne village, Kent.
He then aired his dream in a stunning Powerpoint presentation at CAMRA’s AGM – and now micro-pubs are sprouting up everywhere, taking advantage of a relaxation of licensing laws.
Often opening up in shut-down shop buildings, there are now six micro-pubs in the UK – mainly in the south.
It is estimated that there could be 200 micro-pubs in Kent alone in five years time – with new ones currently on the stocks for Southampton and Hastings.
Martyn’s concept is simple – out go the trappings of the late 20th century, including pub food, music and pool table… leaving behind just real (often micro-brewery) ale, tables, chairs and a toilet!
To find out how to set up your own micro-pub, visit his website below, and download a pdf guide!
Hand-pumped links
www.micropub.co.uk
