I checked out four micropubs in the Chislehurst, Mottingham, and Eltham areas of London. “The Cockpit” opened its doors in December 2020, turning a former florist into a cosy spot that serves local ales and ciders while celebrating the area’s history. “The Bat & Ball” made its debut in November 2023, featuring cricket-themed décor and a friendly vibe. “The Long Pond,” which started in December 2014, played a big part in revitalising the local pub scene and is cherished for its community spirit, even after the owner recently passed away. Lastly, “Berry & Barrel,” also opened in December 2020, navigated through pandemic hurdles to establish a modern, family-run pub. Each of these places focuses on community and creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for conversation without any distractions.
Author Archives: scottspencer001
12/04/25 – Lancashire Beer & Buses / Leyland
The “Lancashire Beer & Buses” event, put together by the Merseyside Transport Trust, provided a delightful day out, taking attendees to different village pubs starting from Burscough. Kicking off at the historic Hesketh Arms in Rufford, everyone got to savour a variety of cask ales in a warm and inviting setting. The adventure then moved on to The Legh Arms, celebrated for its charming rustic feel, and continued to Tarleton’s The Cock & Bottle, where tradition meets a modern twist. Next up was The Vestry, a cosy micropub, followed by Hop Vine, known for its homemade brews. The tour wrapped up in Leyland, where participants explored micropubs like The Market Ale House and The Golden Tap, each offering its own unique atmosphere and locally crafted ales.
11/04/25 – Preston
Today, I’m checking out some of the standout pubs in Preston, kicking things off at The Black Horse. This historic Grade II spot has been around since 1898 and is famous for its stunning Victorian architecture and great ales. Next up is Guild Ale House, a beloved micropub that’s won awards for its craft beers. The Orchard is another gem, known for its friendly community vibe and live music. The Moorbrook brings a touch of Victorian charm, serving up craft beer and delicious wood-fired pizzas. If you’re looking for a cosy atmosphere, Vinyl Tap has a music theme that makes it a great hangout. PLAU is notable for its rich history and unique décor. Other places worth visiting include Chain House Brewing Co, Hopwoods Tap House, Wings & Beer Co, NIKO, and Winckley Street Ale House, each offering a diverse range of beers and lively atmospheres.
Kent 2025
A number of blog posts from my week in Kent in 2025! 31/03/25-03/04/25 – Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells 31/03/25-03/04/25 – Maidstone, West Malling, Charing and Ashford 01/04/25 – Walmer, Deal and Dover 02/04/25 – Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch 04/04/25 – Margate 04/04/25-05/04/25 – Belltinge, Tankerton and Isle of Sheppey 05/04/25 – Broadstairs CheckContinue reading “Kent 2025”
04/04/25-05/04/25 – Belltinge, Tankerton and Isle of Sheppey
Today, I’m exploring some delightful micropubs in Kent, each with its own vibe and offerings. I kick things off at Copper Pottle, which has been around since 2015 and is loved for its welcoming décor and selection of local cask ales. Next up is The Tankerton Arms, opened in 2013, which strives to foster a sense of community in Tankerton with its vibrant décor and a cosy back area perfect for get-togethers. Then there’s The Heritage, the first micropub on the Isle of Sheppey since 2014, where the focus is on conversation rather than distractions, complete with some historical artifacts. Finally, I check out The Pilots’ Rest, a new spot featuring aviation-themed décor that celebrates local history while providing a friendly place for the community to gather.
05/04/25 – Broadstairs
Mind the Gap, a micropub that opened its doors in July 2016, boasts a distinctive railway theme adorned with memorabilia, creating a nostalgic vibe for its guests. The Royston, another micropub that debuted in June 2021, combines Victorian, Steampunk, and Art-Deco elements, providing a cosy atmosphere along with a varied drink menu. Gadds’ Brewery, which started in 2002, sparked renewed interest in real ale locally, overcoming initial doubts by prioritizing sustainability and quality. The Magnet, a vibrant micropub that launched in February 2019, offers a welcoming ambiance with its quirky décor. Lastly, The Four Candles, known as Britain’s smallest brewpub, opened in 2012 and emphasizes community and unique brewing experiences, serving homemade ales straight from the cellar.
04/04/25 – Margate
NorthDown Brewery, launched in Margate in 2018 by Jonny and Katie Spanjar, has breathed new life into the local brewing landscape. The brewery boasts a friendly taproom known as the “NorthDown Saloon,” which accommodates about 45 guests and features local art. Alongside this, other spots like Banks Ale & Wine House and The Tap Room play a significant role in Margate’s lively ale scene. Community spirit shines through in venues such as The Laughing Barrel, The Fez, and The Two Halves, each offering a distinct vibe and a selection of craft beers. Moreover, establishments like Little Swift and Ales of the Unexpected prioritise sustainability and variety in their drink menus, contributing to a vibrant pub atmosphere.
31/03/25-03/04/25 – Maidstone, West Malling, Charing and Ashford
In this blog, I explore a variety of pubs in Kent, sharing their backstories, atmospheres, and what makes them special. The Malling Jug is a historic hangout known for its cask ales and welcoming atmosphere. Low Key Taproom is all about community vibes and a great selection of craft beers. The Charing Bar Company has strong connections to horse racing, while The Flower Pot has been exuding cosy charm since the 1830s. Craft Brewed is a lively spot that combines coffee with craft beer, and Rifle Volunteers Inn has a rich military heritage. Finally, The Olde Thirsty Pig boasts a rustic design, and The Cellars Alehouse brings back the traditional pub feel with its excellent ales.
31/03/25-03/04/25 – Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
The Cotton Mill Micro Pub in Swanley, which opened its doors in June 2018 thanks to Dave and Sasha Miller, turned an old restroom into a lively spot dedicated to local craft beers. Over in Sevenoaks, the South Park Tap made its debut in May 2023, featuring a welcoming vibe and unique décor in what used to be a café. In Tunbridge Wells, the Allkin Tap & Bottle opened in 2023, serving as a community-focused taproom for Allkin Brewery and promoting inclusivity. Meanwhile, Fuggles Beer Cafés, founded by Alex Greig, have been delighting customers in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge since 2013 and 2017, respectively, offering a fantastic range of British and European beers while blending the feel of a traditional pub with a café atmosphere.
02/04/25 – Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch
The Firkin Alehouse, Folkestone’s first micropub, kicked off in 2012 and has moved around a bit, now settled at Number 21. Founded by Neil King, it focuses on local ales in a laid-back, community-oriented setting. The Bouverie Tap, which opened in 2017, offers hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, The Hidden Treasure, a micropub that started in 2019, boasts a lovely beer garden next to a historic Martello Tower. Other noteworthy spots include The Potting Shed, Docker Bar, The Blind Pig, The Beer Shop Folkestone, and Kipps’ Alehouse, each providing its own unique vibe and selection of local brews, contributing to a lively pub scene in the area.
Micropub Adventures 