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Micropub

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A Micropub is a very small public house. The concept is attributed to publican Martyn Hillier and his pub, The Butcher's Arms, in Herne, Kent, England.

Definition

The definition of a Micropub is difficult. It is a set of ethics rather than a set of rules, but generally speaking a Micropub:

  • Is small (compared to a ‘normal’ pub), and single-roomed
  • Sells exclusively cask-conditioned beers i.e. no keg products: ‘smooth’, lager, etc.

In addition:

  • Does not sell spirits or alcopops.
  • Is best described as an old-fashioned ‘Ale House’.
  • Shuns products from national and multi-national breweries.
  • Does not have TV, juke box, gaming machines or pool tables. Conversation is important.
  • No food, other than traditional snacks such as eggs, pork scratchings, cheese, pies, etc.

There may be differences between the pubs; they may or may not have a bar, they might serve beer straight from the cask or through hand pumps. But they are united in one philosophy. A simple pub with the focus on cask beer and conversation for entertainment. The basic premise is KIS, KIS - Keep It Small, Keep It Simple

A good definition of a Micropub, the first full definition, can be found at http://bakeandalehouse.com/micropubs.php

History

It became easier to set up a small independent public house following the passing of the 2003 Licensing Act, which became effective in 2005.[1]

The original Micropub, the Butcher's Arms in Herne, Kent, was opened in 2005 by Martyn Hillier[1] after spending several years as an off-licence. In 2009, Martyn gave a presentation to the AGM of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), in Eastbourne, showing the simplicity of the ‘Micropub’ model and encouraging other people to follow his lead.

It proved to be a catalyst with the Rat Race Alehouse in Hartlepool six months later[1] and Just Beer Micropub in Newark-on-Trent opening August 2010, soon after followed by the Conqueror Alehouse the same year. Since then, there have been several more Micropubs opening such as the Just Reproach in Deal, Kent and the Bake & Alehouse in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent with many more reported to be setting up.[citation needed]

In June 2012, the Micropub Association was set up by Stu Hirst and Martyn Hillier as a resource for other would-be Micropubs, to give free advice on the setting up and running of a successful Micropub.

Says Martyn on his web site:

“The Micropub Association will be a place where like-minded real ale lovers can share their Micropub experiences. The Micropub Association will also be a platform for the new Micropubs to tell the beer drinking community about themselves. A successful Micropub is based upon good ale and lively banter and I want this to come across through the Micropub Association.

Ultimately I’d like to think that we could become a useful lobby group to support the likes of CAMRA and SIBA, promoting the real ale experience”.[This quote needs a citation]

Current Micropubs

Micropubs currently open, listed in chronological order in which they opened:

  • The Butcher's Arms, Herne, Kent[1] (Nov 2005)
  • Rat Race Ale House, Hartlepool, County Durham[1] (Nov 2009)
  • Just Beer Micropub, Newark, Notts[1] (Aug 2010)
  • The Marlpool Brewery Ale House, Marlpool, Derbys (Sep 2010)
  • The Conqueror Alehouse, Ramsgate, Kent (Nov 2010)
  • Bake & Alehouse, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent (Apr 2011)
  • The Just Reproach, Deal, Kent (Dec 2011)
  • The Snug Micropub, Carnforth, Lancs (Aug 2012)
  • The Four Candles Alehouse, Broadstairs, Kent (Aug 2012)
  • The Woodyard Brewpub, Somerset (Sept 2012)
  • Little Chester Ale House, Derby, Derbys (Nov 2012)
  • The Firkin Ale House, Folkestone, Kent (Nov 2012)
  • The Thirty-Nine Steps Alehouse, Broadstairs, Kent (Nov 2012)
  • The Why Not, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent (Dec 2012)
  • Doctor's Orders, Carrington, Nottingham, Notts (Dec 2012)
  • The Tankerton Arms, Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent (Mar 2013)[2]

Micropubs due to open soon (planning permission granted)

  • The Door Hinge, Welling, Greater London
  • The Black Dog, Whitstable, Kent[3]

Influence

In September 2012 CAMRA announced its 16 regional round winners of the 2012 National Pub of the Year (POTY) competition, amongst which were two Micropubs, Just Beer Micropub in Newark, Notts (East Midlands winner), and the Conqueror Alehouse in Ramsgate, Kent (Kent winner).[4] In November 2012 CAMRA announced that the Conqueror Alehouse had been chosen to be one of the four finalists in this competition.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Hawkes, Will (17 February 2011). "A local pub for local people: 'Micropubs' are catching on". The Independent. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
  2. ^ "The Tankerton Arms". Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  3. ^ "Canterbury City Council Decision Notice". Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  4. ^ "CAMRA Regional Pubs of the Year 2012". CAMRA. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
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