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Part of my week in Kent – CLICK HERE to view other posts from the week!
Today takes me to the village of Herne in Kent. In this village is the first Micropub, opened by Martyn Hillier MBE in 2005.
So a bit of history in how this came about. – In 2003, the licensing act (which took effect in 2005) was passed. It made it far easier to open a pub without the big name pub chains getting in the way of them. So in 2005 Martyn opened “The Butchers Arms” in the village of Herne. His vision being great beer, no lager, no music, no jukeboxes or fruit machines or gastropub food”. The Butchers Arms used to be the village Butchers that has been transformed into what was the first Micropub, with seating for around 12 people. Focusing on good quality cask ales and conversation.
In 2009 Martyn gave a presentation at the CAMRA AGM in Eastbourne about his Micropub and how easy it was to setup. This sparked interest and shortly there were a number of other Micropubs appearing with “The Rat Race” in Hartlepool opening 6 months later, “Just Beer” in Newark in 2010 and lots more thereafter.
So what is the Micropub Definition?
“A micropub is a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks”
Of course over the passing of time and to suit customers needs, the original definition of the original Micropub has been adapted, and after personally visiting hundreds of Micropubs throughout the UK they all still keep the same principles of good quality cask beer and great conversation. It is so good to walk into a Micropub and be talking with someone that you have never met before within a few minutes of entering.
In June 2012 “The Micropub Association” was set up with Stuart Hirst, primarily as a resource for others wanting to setup their own Micropub and advice on how to run and so much more. An accreditation scheme was later launched so Micropubs could apply and be recognised. Martyn was recognised as Campaign for Real Ale campaigner of the year in 2015 for the setting up of this association.
The Butchers Arms upon entering does not have a bar, which many of you might find surprising as a lot of Micropubs do tend to have bars still but Martyns point of just seeing peoples backs at a bar, may be something that you have never noticed before but when thinking about it is certainly true.
The seating is well placed so that everyone can see everyone and can all join in the conversation. Something that I always thoroughly enjoy when visiting Micropubs and did again this afternoon with Martyn, Kathy and Rob.
A notice when going to the toilet reminding ladies to put the seat back up was a first for me, but with the Micropub being heavily male customers this makes sense.
A selection of 3 beers for customers to choose from, Martyn choosing to serve generally in 2 pint jugs or by the pint. Today there was a Pale, a Bitter and a Stout, all from Kentish breweries. Along with wine and a couple of soft drinks.
In the New Years Honours List 2024 which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Martyn Hillier was awarded an MBE for services to Business and to Hospitality having been recommended by a couple of his regular customers. This is an outstanding achievement and one which has changed the UK and what pubs appear on the high street and out of town.
Martyn collected his MBE at Windsor on Wednesday 17th April and was awarded it by Princess Anne.
The easiest way to get here was to get the train to Sturry Railway Station and jump on a bus (a short 10 minute journey) into Here.
Checkout “Micropubs – The New Local” documentary which gives some more background into Micropubs. CLICK HERE
Micropub Adventures 
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