tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post968435854647976135..comments2024-03-28T12:16:58.318+00:00Comments on Paul's Beer & Travel Blog: What no micro-pub?Paul Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-11475861986582352592017-03-12T13:59:16.287+00:002017-03-12T13:59:16.287+00:00I love micropubs but like you have visited one or ...I love micropubs but like you have visited one or two duds as well. My favourites are the 1250 from Victoria in Strood (surely a benchmark as to to create a superb micropub), the Flippin Frog in Rochester (roast dinners and nobody but nobody complains about the smell of food) and the Admiral's Arm in Queenborough (I visited there yesterday). The Isle of Thanet has many and by using the superb and frequent bud service, the Loop) many are reachable.<br /><br />Paul Narramorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16825732886766796960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-54232005281304744112017-03-11T13:19:16.162+00:002017-03-11T13:19:16.162+00:00I did not mean to question your perceptions. I wa...I did not mean to question your perceptions. I was more commenting on the reverse thoughts from others. My experience, very limited, is that a lot of women do visit micropubs. However, I never felt like traditional pubs were off putting to women. I would have said I saw a fair number of women in traditional pubs. Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04039590363732278703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-73105341415527265522017-03-08T13:43:48.973+00:002017-03-08T13:43:48.973+00:00Dave, my experience of micro-pubs is rather limite...Dave, my experience of micro-pubs is rather limited, so I may well be wrong in my observation about them not appealing to women. There does seem to be a preponderance of retired males making up their clientele, but this might be because my visits to micro-pubs have largely been during working hours, when younger members of society are more likely to be beavering away at their respective places of employment.Paul Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-23970811560297808342017-03-08T02:18:27.162+00:002017-03-08T02:18:27.162+00:00Interesting that women feel that way. The same id...Interesting that women feel that way. The same idea is included in a list of reasons for the rise of micropubs on RM's site. The commentator stated that women are more comfortable in micropubs than in traditional pubs. I hadn't picked up on this myself since my wife loves the traditional pubs. I wonder if the more traditional pubs can increase their appeal to women?Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04039590363732278703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-66941170988674041412017-03-07T20:41:08.700+00:002017-03-07T20:41:08.700+00:00Thanks everyone for your comments. The MPA/Herne C...Thanks everyone for your comments. The MPA/Herne Convention is only a set of guidelines, of course and I’m sure the association would not refuse membership to an establishment breaking some of their guidelines.<br /><br />Unrelated to this blog, I was chatting to a work colleague today about pubs in general and micro-pubs in particular. I think his wife’s reported comment to the effect of, “I’m not the only woman in here, again!” rather neatly sums up many micro-pubs.<br /><br />High rents, in this part of Kent, are undoubtedly a factor in the absence of micro-pubs in the area, and the proposed hike in business rates will not help either. As for running one, having run an off-licence for nearly six years, I think the novelty would soon wear off; certainly for me.<br /><br />Many CAMRA branches seem to have taken micro-pubs to heart, which is great if you’re in search of some good local beer and the company of your fellow men. Not so good if you want a little more, like a hot meal and a good mix of clientele. <br />Paul Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-66276419418658653052017-03-07T10:29:09.549+00:002017-03-07T10:29:09.549+00:00What is a "true" micro pub? I don't ...What is a "true" micro pub? I don't see that the Micropub Association, or a licensee in Kent, can lay down strict guidelines for anyone. <br />Weal Ales have a pub near me. It stocks 6 cask beers and 4 keg, a dozen gins and 15 or so wines, it also plays background music.<br />Is it a micro? As it holds only 30 people I would say that it is,<br />There are common characteristics within micros, I had a go recently on Martin's blog site at identifying some of them. However as the number of micros grows, seemingly by the week, they will inevitably become more differentiated, particularly in terms of product range.<br />Stafford now has two micros owned by the same fella, but they have different design and very different product ranges.<br />Finally, as Martin says property costs are key, not just rent but the dreaded business rates, It would be tough to make a return in the more affluent parts of the South East (or Alderley Edge).Malcolm Nichollshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04114433389090892217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-22645955598344235892017-03-07T01:04:25.827+00:002017-03-07T01:04:25.827+00:00I think the key thing about the micropub model is ...I think the key thing about the micropub model is that they focus on doing one thing well and are small enough that the local market for that thing will sustain the business. Typically that seems to be doing real ale for middle-aged blokes, but if you found another niche to fill or a tweak to the offer then I don't think your non-compliance with the Herne Convention would do your business any harm.DaveShttp://brewinabedsit.blogspot.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-7437009740008807592017-03-06T23:37:07.367+00:002017-03-06T23:37:07.367+00:00Interesting to read your take on micros Paul. Ver...Interesting to read your take on micros Paul. Very similar to mine. Clearly some towns and suburbs have a lot cheaper premises than other. A Fuggles with £5 craft keg and excellent platters is going to draw in a lot more punters and cash than a tightly drawn micro. Fuggles is great for Tonbridge I think.<br /><br />The space issue really puts me off tiny micros. There's often no free tables so you end up sharing, whether you or the incumbent wants it ! Not places to take your book or paper in general.<br /><br />The owners and customers are nearly always lovely and chatty, but nearly always blokes in their early retirement years, and I like a wider mix in a pub.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-73673648397357604482017-03-06T23:36:11.248+00:002017-03-06T23:36:11.248+00:00I'm watching the evolution of the micropub wit...I'm watching the evolution of the micropub with great interest. I am really not sure where this turns out. I too have mixed feelings, but I have to admit one of my best pub experiences was in the Butcher's Arms in Herne. I still laugh at some of the conversation I heard in there. Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04039590363732278703noreply@blogger.com