It’s bad enough that we are losing our pubs at such a high rate, but will the ones which are left be devoid of any character?
Photograph: Gerald England/Creative Commons
I pose the question mainly in relation to venues owned by the big pubcos, of course. But it occurs after reading a comment regarding Beer Today’s coverage of the Britons Protection, in Manchester, this week.
My correspondent is a regular at the Star Pubs and Bars business and one of many fearing the worst after the pub closed this week for ‘infrastructure upgrades’.
“As a cask drinker and fan of old fashioned pubs, I am well-looked after in Manchester/Salford, but it was a unique set-up and atmosphere in there, not least because of the hundreds of whiskies there.
“Every night you’d find someone from some far-flung corner drinking the stuff. There is absolutely no alternative to that in Manchester now.”
Another reason to be thankful for independent pubs.
Punching below its weight
Down here in west Cornwall we have three Punch pubs within about two miles radius. At any one time at least one is looking for someone to take up their offer of a ‘fantastic opportunity’ and bring one of them to life.
We went to what is currently the busiest of the three to see a colleague singing. It was busy and friendly, and theTimothy Taylor Landlord was in fine condition. When I say busiest of the three, one is actually closed, again, with its signage hanging off and battered by the elements, and the other has hacked off most of its punters who have now moved on to the one we were at.
Some of these pubco properties are actually delightful, characterful premises, and ripe for an injection of enthusiasm from talented operators. But the churn of tenants should be a lesson to anyone with a romantic idea of holding court behind a busy bar in the semi-retirement years.
It’s hard enough work running any pub, made near impossible with a money-grabbing big corporation on your back.
Independents’ day
Beer Today may cover all venues in news,but as the strapline says it ‘champions independent pubs and bars’. These are, by and large, great venues owned and run by enthusiasts who care about hospitality in its most literal sense and they quality of the drink and food they are serving.
No-one understands this more than Scott Spencer, who runs the Micropub Adventures blog. He was recently recognised in Feedspot’s Top 30 UK Pub Blogs of 2024, and frankly I’m surprised he’s as low as eighth. Scott id dedicated to finding the best places to sup, occasionally stepping outside of the micropub framework.
“Micropub Adventures is a blog that delves into the unique world of micropubs, small, independent establishments known for their character, community spirit, and quality beverages,” says Feedspot.
“Join the journey of exploring these hidden gems, their origins, and the stories behind their success. Discover the latest micropub openings, beer tastings, and experiences that celebrate the charm of these intimate pub spaces.”
This weekend, you’ll find him in and around Peterborough. His findings will be posted at micropubadventures.co.uk.
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