Weekend Beers

We start the weekend with Rudolf's Ruin and some Ulverston Laughing Gravy, but not a lot.

We also have Blackjack Brewery's new deck and, also from Manchester, the Marble Lagonda IPA. From nearer home we have the Bowness Bay Swan Blonde making a much welcome return.

Just a reminder that we are fully booked for New Year's Eve. We are then closed New Year's Day and will reopen at 5-00pm on 2 January.

The Snug on Granada Reports

We made it onto Granada Reports on Saturday. Click on the link below to take a look:

The Snug on Granada Reports

Thanks to all who took part.

Christmas Eve-Mulled Wine

There will be mugs of mulled wine on offer today at a mere £2.00 a go, much cheaper than the Christmas markets! Remember, we're open from 3-00pm until 9-00pm today.

On the bar we have Hawshead's Jingle Fells, Barngates' Westmorland Gold, Ulverston's Laughing Gravy and a bit of Oxfordshire's Uncle Scrooge. Next up will be Springhead's Rudolf's Ruin.

The Laughing Gravy is my little tribute to Laurel and Hardy, it was the name of their dog in the film of the same name. Christmas has never been the same since they stopped showing Laurel and Hardy films.

Getting ready for Christmas

Our first seasonal ale is now on the bar, Oxfordshire Ales Uncle Scrooge. We also have Old School Headmaster, Black Country BFG and a little Chorley Grain Pole left, but not a lot.

Next up will be Dark Star Winter Solstice.

Also on the stillage is Hawkshead's Jingle Fells, Springhead's Rudolph's Ruin and in place of all the wonderful Laurel and Hardy films we used to get at Christmas but no more, Ulverston's Laughing Gravy.

Just a reminder about our seasonal hours:

Christmas Eve-3-00pm until 9-00pm.
Christmas Day-Closed
Boxing Day-Closed

New Year's Eve-Ticket only-FULL
New Year's Day-Closed

Weekend Drinks

On the bar this weekend we have Ringway Session, Chorley Grain Pole, Potbelly Best and Unsworth's Yard Crusader Gold. I also expect the Black Iris Brewery's Iron Gate Stout to be joining us on the fifth pump.

Next week we have various festive ales such as Uncle Scrooge, Jingle Fells and Rudolf's Ruin to get us all in the mood for Christmas.

The Manchester Trip

Many thanks to all those who helped make the first Snug outing such a success. That goes for all who joined us on the coach, Ian the driver, James the Head Brewer at Marble for showing us around the brewery and the wonderful staff at the Marble Arch.

I've been to St John's Hospice this morning dropping off the sealed collecting tin from the bar and a box of money from the trip. As soon as the hospice confirm the total amount I will let everybody know.

The Heritage Mild has gone and we have Kirkby Lonsdale's Uncle Ben, Bowness Bay's Swift Bitter and Marble Ginger on the bar at lunchtime. Next up will be the Ringway Session, Unsworth's Yard's Crusader Gold and the Chorley Brewhouse Grain Pole.

I was down there early putting the heating on so come and have warm and a nice drink.

Sunday Morning-Manchester Trip

The coach will be leaving The Snug at 10:30 prompt tomorrow morning.

We will be picking up en route to J34 via the Royal, the Broadway, the Shrimp (roundabout) and Kingsway. Please be at the pick ups soon after 10:30 so we can get to Manchester in good time for lots of beer, Christmas Markets, brewery visit and the big match for anybody who wants to watch United humiliate Abu Dhabi City.

Meantime:

Beer Update

The Old School Hopscotch went tonight, it only went on last night! So we now have Marble Ginger on.

We have a little Heritage Mild left from Ironbridge Brewery, a little 4T's Red and HPoppy and some Outstanding Red.

Next up will be Bowness Bay Swift Bitter, Barngates Cracker and Kirkby Lonsdale Uncle Ben.

Christmas Drink Driving

As Christmas approaches we have to consider those poor souls who drive friends and loved ones to pubs and parties and therefore have to abstain.

With this in mind we have extended our range of soft drinks. In addition to our usual range of coke and Fentimans we are now offering the abstemious Story soft drinks in four fruity flavours.

Please also remember that we offer the driver complimentary tea or coffee.

Also, in response to customers' comments we now stock gluten free crackers to go with our cheese.

Hawkshead Windermere Pale Ale

The Hopstar Lush has gone, very popular it was too. So we now have the Hawkshead Windermere Pale Ale on the bar.

Oh joy, it's nearly weekend!

On the bar will be the Red and HPoppy from 4Ts Brewery and the Hopstar Lush, but going fast. The Ironbridge Heritage Mild, great at 5.5%ABV is here and last night we were joined by another belter from Ringway Brewery, their Best Bitter.

Joining us on the fifth pump tonight will be Outstanding Red.

Beer Update

The Scarborough Sealord went last night, the Blue Monkey BG Sips went this lunchtime.

There's a little Unsworth's Yard Peninsula left, but not a lot. There is 4Ts Red and HPoppy, Hopstar Lush and new on tonight is the Ironbridge Heritage Mild at 5.5%.

On the stillage is Ringway Best Bitter, Outstanding Red and the Marble Ginger.

Next on the stillage will be Barngates Cracker and the return of the popular Ringway Session

Christmas Outing-Update

Timings for December 9th are:

10:30 Departure from The Snug. Then pick up at the Royal at Bolton le Sands about 10:35 and the Broadway around 10:40 then down Broadway to the M6 J34.

6-00 Depart from Manchester.

We will be giving everybody a plan of the city centre and the return pick up point will be clear.

Those nice people at the Marble Brewery are happy for us to have a look at the brewery while we are there. It's about 100 yards from the pub.

Granada Reports and Marble Dobber

The Marble Manchester Bitter went at lunchtime so we will be joined this evening by the Marble Dobber (5.9%ABV).

Granada Reports popped in at lunchtime and spent around three hours filming and interviewing a few of us for a piece about micropubs. It should be broadcast over Christmas/New Year.

Thanks to those customers who contributed.

Return of the Swan

The Bob's Brewing Co Chardonnayle went tonight so the ever popular Swan Blonde is back on from Bowness Bay, and it's even better than the last cask.

Waiting in the wings are Marble Dobber and Blue Monkey BG Sips. Also on the stillage is Unsworth's Yard Cartmel Penninsula and Scarborough Sealord.

Should have been collecting a Hopstar Lush tomorrow but we are being filmed for a TV piece so won't be collecting until Thursday. Exciting times!

Christmas Opening

Christmas Eve 3-00 to 9-00

Christmas Day Closed 

Boxing Day Closed 

New Year’s Eve Party 8-00pm to next year! Admission by ticket (£5 each) inc nibbles. Profit to go to the hospice. 

 

All other days open/closed usual hours.

Christmas Outing

The Christmas outing on December 9th is now fully booked.

If anybody would like to go on a reserve list in case of withdrawals then please get in touch. Contact details are on the right sidebar. Much better would be to pop in when we're open and have a nice refreshing pint at the same time.

Ale Update

The second cask of Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop went during yet another really busy night tonight. So tomorrow we will be introducing the Barngates' Brathay Gold, a new ale only launched on Monday.

Bob's Chardonnayle is also going down a treat, so get in early.

What's On Then?

Sadly the Marble Pint has all gone. But new on tonight will be the Marble Manchester Bitter.

Also new on tonight will be the 4T's Brewery LJ's. A delightfully light pint with an equally delightful pump clip. In fact if the pump clip appeared on a bar in the Houses of Parliament it would probably be banned by some PC dragon.

There is still Hopstar Lancashire Gold and Bob's Chardonnayle on, but only a few pints of Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop left.

Waiting in the wings to make its debut is the Barngates' Brathay Gold, only launched on Monday.

The Snug in the News

In case you missed it here is a link to an article about us in the Westmorland Gazette.

We are also now listed on the website of the Micropub Association where you can find details of the other micropubs throughout the country. Here's the link.

We are also due to be featured in the December issue of Lancashire Life.

Hopstar Lancashire Gold

Hopstar Lancashire Gold has now joined the Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop, Bob's Brewing Co Chardonnayle and Marble Pint.

Up next will be 4T's LJ's, Marble Manchester Bitter and Barngates newly launched Brathay Gold. Blog will be updated as the new ones go on.

The Snug Christmas Outing-Update

We have had to book a bigger coach due to demand for our trip on Dec 9th. Cost per person on current figures is £8 per head.

The bus will be leaving The Snug at 10-30 picking up in Bolton le Sands and the Broadway en route. Due in Manchester around 12-00. First stop the Marble Arch Pub, then the Christmas Markets five minutes or so later. Return pick up 5-30 due back around 7-00pm.

I would appreciate payment by close of play on Saturday if possible. There are currently around 14 places left, so please get in touch if you would like to join us. There are currently around 35 of us going.

Make Mine a Pint of Pint!

New on the bar today will be the Marble Pint and Bob's Brewing Co Chardonnayle.

The magnificent Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop is back to satisfy those who missed out when it sold so quickly last week. There is still some Eden First Emperor left too.

There are only a few places left for our Christmas trip to Manchester on Dec 9th, so if you want to join us at the Marble Arch Pub and the Christmas Markets please let us know asap.

Flying in from East of Eden

The Hawkshead Cumbrian 5 Hop officially went on last night and is going very quickly. There is still some Leeds Best left, but not a lot, and some Gregory's Gold and Derventio Troll.

Flying in from near Manchester Airport for the weekend is the Ringway Brewery Session. From Cumbria we will be joined by Eden Brewery's First Emperor. Both are new microbreweries who have only been brewing for a couple of months but are already building fine reputations among the drinking classes.

Hovering in the background is the famous Marble Pint. It might be on this weekend, but it might not be appearing until next week, we'll have to see. 

Christmas Outing

We are planning a Snug Christmas outing on Sunday 9 December. Provisionally leaving The Snug at 10-30am heading to the Manchester Christmas Market. Dropping off at the Marble Arch around 12-00 then City Centre about 5 minutes later. Pick up about 6-00/6-30pm then back to The Snug for about 8-00pm.

We originally thought of popping to Rusholme for a curry but there is enough opportunity to feed at the market and in the city centre pubs and restaurants. I will give an idea of cost as soon as possible.

If interested let us know here or preferably in The Snug asap.

The Snug Ale Update

There's still some Leeds Best and Golden Bolt left. They will be joined today by Morton Brewery Gregory's Gold (4.4%ABV) and Derventio Brewery's Troll (4.3%ABV).

We also have Weston's 1st Quality Cider on the bar at 5% ABV. A crisp, golden, clear, fruity drink.

For the hop monsters I've just tapped the Hawkshead Cumbrian 5 Hop (5%ABV). That'll be next up.

What's On?

We still have some Chuffin' Ale left, but not a lot. We also have Irwell Works Copper Plate, Barngates Tag Lag and Dunscar Bridge Steeplejack.

Up next is Leeds Best Bitter and the popular Box Steam Golden Bolt is ready to make a welcome return.

Long Live The Weekend, The Weekend Is Here

Here's what will be on the bar this weekend:

Old School Brewery-Detention. (4.1%ABV)

Bowness Bay-Swan Blonde. (4.0%ABV)

Irwell Works-Grumpy Grandad (4.1%ABV)

Box Steam-Chuffin' Ale. (4.0%ABV)

I was down there at 8-30am to put the heating on so it should be nice and cosy.

Sadly Bob and Julie are still away so there won't be any black pudding at lunchtime today. But I have managed to get some Fentiman's Rose Lemonade in!

Beer We Go-It's Weekend!

Joining us this weekend in The Snug will be, all the way from the Wilson Potter Brewery in Manchester, In the Light which is a pale golden beer with a citrus aroma and a full balanced bitterness with a clean tangy finish (ABV 4%).

From Morecambe we will be joined by a Cross Bay Hurricane. A well hopped bitter boasting a complex hop and fruity body with a crisp and memorable finish (ABV 4%).

From Kirkby Lonsdale we have the Tiffin Gold, a pale gold bitter with a fruity hop character giving a fairly sweetish flavour (ABV 3.6%).

And from Bolton's Dunscar Bridge Brewery Rialto 47 with  a golden, fruity, all American full bodied hoppy taste (ABV 3.9%).

Meet Sir Philip

The Royal Standard has now gone. Joining us tonight on the fifth pump will be Sir Philip from the Wincle Brew Co near Macclesfield.

Sir Philip is a premium bitter (4.2%) amber in colour, with a light malty overtone, balanced with the classic pairing of Fuggles and Target hops

Something for the Weekend?

We're starting the weekend with some Nine Standards-Gold Standard (5.5%), but there's not a lot so you'll need to be in early doors.

Then we have:

Bob's Brewing Co-Autumn Glory (4.1%)
Lytham Stout (4.6%)
Box Steam Brewery-Golden Bolt (3.8%)
Salopian Hop Twister (4.5%)

There is also Old Rosie (7.3%) and a selection of wine, not to mention soft drinks, tea and coffee for the drivers.

Tuesday 9th October

The Snug will be closed at lunchtime on Tuesday 9th October, open as usual (5-00 til 9-00) in the evening.

We are currently serving Geeves Gunwale Dance, Saltaire Blackberry Cascade and Ossett Big Red. In the wings is York Terrier and Quantock Wills Neck.

Snug Update

It's been a strange couple of weeks. We've had to have some adjustments made, slight teething problems, but it meant running down the stock to work on the stillage the last couple of Sundays. We are now busily restocking ready to resume normal service.

There will be several new ales arriving over the next few days with Unsworth's Yard Brewery, Marble Beers and others making their debuts. More about which ones as they arrive and are ready to serve.

At the moment we have Pennine Sun Stone, a natural ale which means it has the appearance of wheat beer but is a pale ale with a mishmash of unusual flavours. The Lancaster Black is on, as is Sharp's Doom Bar to remind people of holidays in Cornwall.

Take Home Beer

Take home beer is now available in two pint containers. When we close at 9-00pm, and you fancy a nightcap, what better than taking a couple of pints home to round off your night?

While we're talking about opening times I've just received the following which explains the philosophy behind our opening hours and most of the other micropubs' opening hours:

A pub chain executive was at the bar of a small micropub in Carnforth when the pub owner came out to greet him.  Inside the bar were several regulars having a good time.  The executive complimented the owner on his ale and the presentation of his pub and asked how long it took to open the pub

The bar owner replied, "only a little while."

The executive then asked why didn't he charge more for his ale and stay open longer?

The owner said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The executive then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The owner said, "I sleep late, blog a little, play with my cats, take siestas with my wife, Julie, stroll into the village where I sip wine, and play guitar with my friends.  I have a full and busy life."

The executive scoffed, "I have an MA from Oxford and could help you.  You should spend more time opening and with the proceeds you can buy a bigger pub.  With the proceeds from the bigger pub, you could buy several pubs and open even longer and eventually you would have a chain of pubs.  You could then leave this small town and move to London, where you can run your expanding enterprise."

The pub owner asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the executive replied, "15 - 20 years."

"But what then?" Asked the owner.

The executive laughed and said, "That's the best part.  When the time is right you would announce that you are becoming a public limited company and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!"

"Millions - then what?"

The executive said, "Then you would retire.  Move to a small town where you would sleep late, blog a little, play with your cats, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the town in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your friends."

Simples!

(With apologies to the Mexican Fisherman)

Going The Extra Mile

It's been an amazing ten days or so since opening. Really busy and met some great people who enjoy decent beer and good company.

Yesterday we had a chap in from our old stomping ground of South East London. Yesterday lunchtime he was in Kent doing a crawl of old and very new micropubs, especially The Conqueror Alehouse in Ramsgate which has just won Kent CAMRA's Pub of the Year 2012. Many congratulations to Colin and his wife.

Anyway, the chap from London got a message from a friend yesterday in Kent that we had opened in Carnforth. Lo and behold around 6-30 he got off a train and joined us for a pint of Dancing Duck Abduction. An hour or so later he was off back to London via Leeds and York due home around 1-00am.

Now that's what I call a dedicated real ale and micropub connoisseur.

Changing Ales

When we open up again tomorrow we will be taking the discerning drinker on a journey from Morecambe down into Cheshire for a visit to Chester then Nantwich and then on to Derby for a pint of good strong IPA.

Cross Bay Dusk (Morecambe) 

Dusk is very ruby ale with a roasted but slightly spicy and bitter body. This is followed by a floral and black currant aroma.

Inspired by the ruby tones of the dusk over the Lake District peaks, as seen from Morecambe Bay. 

Woodland Oak Beauty (Nantwich)

A mid coloured bitter with just a hint of acorn. 

Dancing Duck Brewery Abduction (Derby)

A myriad of tropical fruit flavours in harmonious balance with an enjoyable level of hoppy bitterness, a good malt character and a very clean finish. This is a dangerously drinkable 5.5% IPA! 

Spitting Feathers-Basket Case (Chester) 

A dark ruby strong ale, rich and fruity full flavour with a smooth finish.

Beer Paddles

We had an adventurous customer try our beer paddles for the first time last night. They're a clever little invention that helps you to carry three thirds of a pint of different ales to your table. A great way of trying a few brews if you're spoilt for choice without over indulging. Here they are:

We're Open

After a 'preview evening' on Tuesday for family and friends we opened our doors to the public for the first time yesterday at noon. Gratitude is due to many people so a big thank you to all who have helped us get the micropub ready for action.

Our first four ales  are proving  a good selection with the Bowness Bay Swan Blonde being extremely popular closely followed by the dark richness of the Boggart Rum Porter.  It was good to have a couple of tourists in yesterday who were pleased to see their local brews on, being the Prospect Silver Tally from Wigan and the Backyard Olympiad from Walsall.

Thanks to Lunesdale CAMRA for the report of Tuesday night on their website.

Cheers!

Ale and Hearty!

It's been hard graft but I've finally done it. The four ales that will be greeting the discerning drinker from Wednesday have been selected. But remember, once they're gone it may be some time before they're back, because variety is the spice of life:

If you can't quite read the pump clips then you'll have to pop along and find out what they are, and try them! Here's another view of The Snug:

Right, that's it, off for a hard earned curry.

Finding The Snug Micropub

There are plenty of buses and trains to Carnforth, then once in the town you can't miss us:

Of course by Wednesday 1st August, when we open at 12-00, the windows will have been cleared of windolene and you'll get great views of the splendid buildings of Carnforth Station from one side and the bustle of Market Street from the other while you enjoy a leisurely pint in peace and quiet.

We're Nearly There!

Yesterday afternoon was quite emotional. After months of planning and weeks of hard work our first ales took their rightful places. Bowness Bay's Swan Blonde will be one of the first on the bar when we open on August 1st. Still deciding what the others will be so you'll have to guess for now!

After a slight delay the doors to our unique cool room design arrived, our pumps were fitted and The Snug felt like a pub. Here's a glimpse:

Hope you'll be joining us. Cheers!

PS-The bar above is behind where my beloved was stood in last Thursday's post (19 July)

Buying Ales

Work is progressing at a great rate and I am now sourcing the ales ready for our opening on August 1st. But I'm not saying much about that at the moment, you'll have to wait a little while longer. Roll on August 1st.

Sourcing wine and other products is a joy, there really is some quality out there. However, I'm really busy with what seems like a million and one things still to do so can't be blogging for too long. Here's a photo of what's been going on this week. I will be told off by my beloved for including her but that's life. The beginnings of the bar are just visible behind Mrs B:

Work Starts!

Loose ends now tied up and we start preparing the interior this week ready for work to start on the bar and the cool room on Monday.

If all goes to plan we should be opening at the very beginning of August.

We had an excellent piece in the Lancaster Guardian last week, but I've been unable to find it online. They contacted me after seeing the minutes of the planning meeting on 25 June.

Updates on work will follow. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter too: @thesnugmicropub Work continues on the website.

Planning Application Approved

I knew it wouldn't be a problem but, until it was formally approved, I could never quite relax. But now I can. Yesterday the planning application for change of use was approved by Lancaster City Council's Licencing Committee.

Just got to get cracking now on the building work.

Licence Approved!

We now have a licence.

The planning application is being heard on Monday.

All being well we can start work and get ready to open, hopefully in July but certainly no later than August.

Watch this space!

The Conqueror Alehouse Micropub

Spent a wonderful evening in the Conqueror, Ramsgate last night. Colin and his wife are first class hosts and the ale and cider were top quality. Only complaint is that we had such a great evening the time flew far too quickly.

The customers were a great bunch too, especially Mark and Jayne who we hope will be able to venture north when we open. If you visit, which I recommend, then the locally sourced pork pie is a must and he does a mean mature cheddar and crackers too.

The Conqueror is CAMRA's pub of the year for East Kent. They are now going head to head with the pub of the year for West Kent. My money's on The Conqueror winning pub of the year for Kent. Come on Colin lad, you can do it!!

Carnforth Station Heritage Centre

If our planning and licensing applications are granted we will be opening The Snug at the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre. We have tried to keep the exact location under our hats, not wanting to tempt fate, but so many people now know that we may as well let everybody know. We are confident that there shouldn't be any problems but please say a prayer, keep your fingers crossed and touch wood just in case.

What's particularly exciting is the chance to contribute to what is already a tremendous asset to Carnforth, the Station Heritage Centre. There is already the successful Brief Encounter Tearoom and the owners of the tearooom have recently opened a bakery on the site. There is the wonderful Bay Models shop and Rugs to Riches selling an exciting range of rugs and floor coverings.

Being located on the station, and with a bus stop immediately outside, we are confident that we will attract real ale drinkers to Carnforth who will then patronise the other businesses at the station as well as the other shops and businesses in Carnforth. There isn't a single pub in Carnforth in the current CAMRA Good Beer Guide. That will be one of our targets!

There are currently pubs in Carnforth that cater for people who enjoy watching the football, who enjoy watching live acts, who enjoy a pub meal, or enjoy playing a gaming machine. The Snug will complement what is currently on offer to people by offering a place where there will be no music, no TV or gaming machines and no hot meals. We will not be selling lager, spirits and certainly no 'alcopos' or 'shots'. We will be offering people a quiet atmosphere in which to drink cask real ale brewed in local microbreweries, and good quality wine, both at affordable prices.

We are currently sourcing our products, all of which will be as local as possible. Yes, we know North Lancashire doesn't rival the Loire in wine production, but we will be using local importers for our wines whenever we can, rather than a huge corporate chain.

We have had a fantastic response from local people, including local businesses, and we are extremely excited about The Snug. We are confident that micropubs are the future and that even in these dark days of recession we will bring another businness to Carnforth that will help, in it's own small way, to contribute to the further development of Carnforth despite these difficult financial times.

Business Network International and The Snug, Carnforth

I was kindly invited to a meeting of local business people on Friday morning last week. BNI is a networking group and has members from a whole range of local professions and businesses. I was invited to speak about The Snug micropub.

The meeting was extremely positive and I was heartened by the number of people who came up afterwards to assure me that they intended to become regulars when we open. For those present it was clear that like any business, we will become customers of other local businesses such as electricians, washroom equipment suppliers and many more.

In addition we will also be bringing into Carnforth real ale drinkers who might not otherwise visit. Some of those customers will then go on to become customers of other businesses in Carnforth and so on. It would be great to eventually be able to employ a local person if we become busy enough. Who knows?

So a big thank you to BNI for their generous invitation and extremely positive response to The Snug in Carnforth.

Homemade Scotch Eggs

Just popped my first batch of homemade scotch eggs in the oven. If I reach an acceptable standard then hope to sell them as bar snacks when we open.

These are straightforward with a seasoning of mixed herbs, sea salt and freshly milled black pepper. Planning to try some with black pudding, others with hoisin and maybe a chilli scotch egg, I like a bit of fire in my food.

Any suggestions for other variations on a theme more than welcome.

Applications In!

Premises License application in. Planning application in. It's all systems go.

Today I have been doing some very serious research, checking out bar snacks. Up to now I have found the finest pork pies and scotch eggs I've come across in a long time, made up the road in Cumbria using locally sourced products. However, other suggestions will always be gratefully received.

Building The Bar

Many micropub owners are good at DIY and have built their own cool rooms/cellars and bars, I'm afraid if I built my own bar it would collapse as I pulled the first pint. So I now have meetings booked at the proposed premises with a couple of local chaps who I know can do a good job.

In the meantime, as the planning process creeps along, I am having great fun sourcing seating, bar equipment and those different little extras that I hope will add character to The Snug. I must admit I am enjoying this process but still feel like a big kid waiting for Christmas as far as the actual opening goes.

Anyway, that's been my fun for the morning. Now on to dealing with yet more paperwork.

Derby Micropub

The micropubs are on the march. News has reached us of an application to open a micropub in Derby. We have been in touch via Twitter to get more details and will update as soon as we can. You can find them on Twitter at: @MicropubDerby

Twitter

We are now on Twitter: @TheSnugMicropub Please feel free to follow.

What Is A Micropub?

A lot of people have been asking what a micropub is. While each micropub is individual the idea is to get back to what pubs used to be. Places where people can relax with a pint of decent ale without having ears and eyes aggravated by loud music and giant screens on every wall showing pop videos and football, often simultaneously.

Micropubs do not sell lager or spirits. Neither do they sell keg beer.

There will be no hot food served only a selection of cold snacks such as cheese, cold meats and pork pies. Porks scratchings, crisps and peanuts will also be available.

Micropubs typically open shorter hours than modern pubs. Usually over 5 days of the week roughly from 12-00pm to 1-30pm and 5-00pm to 9-00pm but certainly no later than 11-00pm. Current micro pubs typically close on Sunday (although a couple open 12-00 until 2-00), Monday and/or Tuesday.

We will not have jukeboxes or giant screens. No gaming machines of any sort.

It is our intention to sell ales sourced from micro breweries in Lancashire and Cumbria, with occasional guest ales from further afield.

In addition to traditional cask ales there will be a selection of quality wine. There will also be a selection of soft drinks, tea and coffee for non-drinkers/drivers.

The only entertainment, other than customers chatting to each other, would be a selection of newspapers/magazines, books and traditional pub games such as  cards, draughts, dominoes, backgammon and chess.

The aim is to offer a comfortable, traditional environment where people can socialise while enjoying high quality, affordable real ale, or wine and soft drinks.

Planning Application

We have now submitted a planning application to open a new micropub in North Lancashire. The work continues apace to design the cool room for the casks, plan a bar that will do the job in a very small space, source decent wines and ales, furniture and so on, and so on. Exciting times.

So as not to tempt fate we will not be announcing the exact location until all necessary licences and planning applications have been approved.

Watch this space!

A New Micropub

Plans are advancing for a new micropub. Until opening this blog will keep you updated on our progress through until opening day.

We plan to have four cask ales, quality wine at affordable prices and a selection of soft drinks for the drivers. There will be no spirits or lager, music, TV or gaming machines.

We are still going through the process of finalising our premises in the great NorthWest of England and are aiming to open our doors in the summer.