IF a small, intimate pub serving only the best cask ales sounds like the perfect drinking environment for you, then Derek Miles could be about to make your dream come true.
The 57-year-old business owner from Brimscombe has launched a planning application to build a micropub right in the heart of Stroud.
Derek spoke to the SNJ about the growing phenomenon and his vision for the small free house.
“This new breed of pub is very much back to basics,” he said.
“We want to create something really different – a traditional, personal and authentic pub experience for people to come with their friends and enjoy a quiet drink.
“This kind of establishment has been popping up all over the country for the past few years.
“We feel the time is right for Stroud to have a micropub of its own.”
Derek (right) - who currently runs a business consultancy firm - is hoping to develop the small pub with the help of an old school friend Barry Raynes who owns the Clearwater brewery in Devon.
The industrious pair want to start their new business at 21 George Street – which was formerly occupied by the Absolutely Fabulous beauty salon.
They are hoping to transform the empty building into a cosy and intimate space, with a small bar offering a “quiet drinking experience”.
“Our vision is to only sell high quality and locally sourced drinks and snacks,” said Derek.
“This would include real ales, bottled craft beers and a small selection of carefully chosen other drinks such as gins, ciders and wines. There will also be some interesting non-alcoholic drinks as well.
“After refurbishment is carried out there should be space for around 10 tables, ideally allowing space for 40 or 50 people.
“Importantly, there would be no hot food, recorded music, electronics or slot machines, just a quiet place for people to come and have a drink and some good conversation.”
A few such micropubs have been popping up across Gloucestershire over the past few years.
”There is a growing movement towards this kind of drinking experience, but at the moment we don’t think there is anything too similar in Stroud,” he continued.
“So hopefully there will be a real market. I know a lot of people that shun the bigger chains and pubs and prefer somewhere a bit more intimate to enjoy a drink with their friends.”
Stroud District Council is currently considering the application and is expected to make a decision by the middle of April.
“If permission is granted we would need to do some refurbishment work inside, but if all went to plan we could have the pub up and running with a month or two,” he added.
“Then the only thing left to do would be to come up with a name – once we open we’ll ask our customers to come up with one.”
The vacant 40 square metre space, which has been on the market since September 2015, sits next to NatWest Bank and opposite Age Concern.
If approved by council planners, the pub would create at least two full-time jobs.
To view the full proposal please visit SDC’s planning website and search: S.16/0203/COU
For more information about micropubs please visit: micropubassociation.co.uk/
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