THE first micro-pub in North Cornwall is hoped to be opened in Bude soon, writes Rosie Cripps.

A ‘micro-pub’ — or microbrewery — is something that many people may not have heard of. However, a couple from Stratton are hoping to change that, as they have submitted an application to Cornwall Council for permission to open up a brand new business venture in the heart of Bude — the Barrel at Bude Alehouse.

Ian and Rachel O’Hare are hoping to transform an empty lot at 36 Lansdown Road, in Bude, into their vision of the Barrel at Bude Alehouse, which would be the second micro-pub in Cornwall and the first in North Cornwall.

A micro-pub is a small free house, which is open for limited hours and serves cask ales and traditional pub snacks, promotes conversation and shuns all forms of electronic entertainment.

The first of its kind, the Butcher’s Arms in Herne, Kent, was introduced in 2005 by Martyn Hillier. Since its establishment, the idea has expanded and there are now just short of 300 scattered across the country.

The Barrel at Bude Alehouse would be the second micro-pub in Cornwall, but the first in North Cornwall. The first micro-pub in the county was the Pilchard Press, which opened in St Ives in May last year.

Ian and Rachel hope to introduce a ‘very local feel’, focusing on small, independent Cornish producers of craft ales, as well as wines, ciders and gins.

Ian said: “We are very keen to make this something that supports the local community and something that locals and visitors alike can feel part of. Once opened, we intend to ensure that the character and what we serve is determined by our customers and local independent suppliers. Although there are other pubs in the town, we will be different — serving only local ales, straight from the cask, and open for limited hours to ensure the beer is always served at its best.”

Ian said: “It’s something completely different, and most certainly isn’t really known in Cornwall — there’s one other micro-pub in St Ives.

“It’s going to offer people something who like quality, over quantity, in ales. It will offer variety as well, and so I really think people are going to love it.”

He explained how they will use products from small independent brewers in Cornwall, and how they will sell items offering something for vegans, those with coeliac disease and more.

Although most unique ideas are met with some opposition, Ian explained that he and his wife have received mostly positive support.

He continued: “People have been overwhelmingly positive so far. I don’t know if you’ve come across it — Bude Banter — we all know what goes on there — but it reached Bude Banter and it’s received overwhelmingly positive support. I think it’s had around 140 likes so far, with three objections, one of which I answered myself and changed her mind.

“The support has been great; I’ve had people stopping me and my wife in the street to say, ‘oh, that’s such a great idea, what you’re doing’.”

When asked if they were concerned about some local competition, Ian dashed the idea completely, and was positive that this could potentially encourage more people to start up their own similar businesses, such as unique wine bars and restaurants.

He said: “I’m not worried. I think this will attract more people to the area, if anything, so I think that’s a good thing for everyone.”

Ian also mentioned Launceston’s The Bell Inn, which was refurbished around a couple of years ago, and how the owners of the pub have inspired Ian and Rachel with their choice of ales. He commented on how much help they had provided the couple over the last few months, with advice on local breweries and suppliers. He said: “I want that, and I think it will make it more appealing to everyone.”

Small suppliers have shown a great deal of interest in Ian and Rachel’s business plans, adding: “Even the small suppliers — everyone has been hugely supportive, which is really refreshing and different, compared to what I used to do.”

Ian and Rachel will be holding an opening night, where they will be serving their local ales and welcoming the community to get a taste of what their micro-pub has to offer.