Bid to get pubs back-to-basics in Hereford with launch of micropub

Kent has proven to be a fertile breeding ground for a host of back-to-basic public houses offering an emphasis on quality real ales and ciders served in an intimate drinking environment.

And Hereford could be next in line, if a planning application submitted to open a micropub at the site of a former laundrette on Eign Street is approved.

The plans submitted by Northamptonshire-based couple Mitchell and Alison Evans, trading as A Beer in the Hand, propose an alternative to mass-produced keg lagers and noisy distractions such as fruit machines.

“Micropubs are springing up all over the place,” said Mitchell.

“There is a real growing interest in locally sourced beers and real ales with people moving away from the idea of going down to the pub and drinking a pint of Stella. It’s not about taking business away from other pubs, it is about igniting interest in pubs generally.”

If the micropub gets the go ahead there will be no bar and minimal changes will be made to the inside of the property.

“What you get is just a room with some tables and chairs, decent beer, no music, no TVs and no drink offers,” added Mitchell.

“We are going to have two, almost like, butchers'

blocks and there will be no pumps. The beer comes directly from the cask and will be poured straight into a pint pot.”

Mitchell is currently working as a lawyer and Alison has worked in the insolvency business until recently.

“We wanted a change in location and Northampton already has a micropub,” added Mitchell.

“There are people in Herefordshire that want to have access to real ciders and ales, and we could tap into that. It’s about supporting local brewers and cider manufacturers.”

A decision on the application is expected around the end of June.

Businesses interested in having their ciders and ales stocked in the pub can email Mitchell and Alison at beerinhand@hotmail.co.uk.