The micropub scene has been hugely popular among drinkers across the country over the past three years, and North Somerset is no exception.
Drinkers have four smaller establishments they can quaff real ale in. Let's take a look at where you can enjoy your beers in smaller venues.
The Fallen Tree Micropub, Clevedon.
The Fallen Tree Micropub – the first of its kind in North Somerset – in Hill Road has been operating a home delivery service since the first lockdown in November of last year, taking fresh real ale directly from the barrel to the doorstep, but will be switching from diesel-fuelled delivery to pedal power for this month.
As part of a scheme to support local businesses through the pandemic and promote sustainable transport in the process, the electric cargo bike is on a month’s free loan to the pub, courtesy of North Somerset Council and The Bicycle Chain in Weston.
Pete Dommett took over ownership of The Fallen Tree – one of only two pubs in Clevedon to be included in the beer-drinker’s bible The Good Beer Guide – in September of last year. His weekly beer deliveries have proved extremely popular with the pub’s regulars and new customers alike.
Pete said: “The support has been incredible. The home deliveries are really helping to keep us ticking over until such time that we can re-open the pub properly, which is hopefully not too far off now.”
Pete delivers to around 50 customers in the town every Friday and Saturday, often clocking up a round trip of 20 miles or more.
He added: “The e-bike will save me money on fuel and it’s far better for the environment.
“Plus doing deliveries by bike is just as quick, great fun and gets me fitter at the same time.”
To find out more about The Fallen Tree’s home delivery service go the pub’s Facebook or Instagram page @thefallentreemicropub or contact Pete directly on 07493 924386.
Nailsea Micropub, Nailsea.
Mark Ashman opened his doors to ale connoisseurs in October 2019.
Mark, who has worked in the pub trade for the past 17 years, had always dreamt of running his own pub.
During the first lockdown he began running a delivery service to North Somerset households, which continued throughout lockdowns.
He said: “I’m now working towards my dream of doing this and it’s exciting.
“Micropubs are on the up and becoming much more popular. It allows owners to be independent.”
The pub offers discounts to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members and regularly changes its tipples.
The Port, Portishead.
Portishead Brewing Company managers Ira and Yav Kostadinchev started pulling pints in The Precinct in September 2019.
The couple are originally from Bulgaria but have settled in North Somerset.
The pub serves 12 ales on tap, half brewed on the premises, which has a
350-litre brewing capacity.
All the beers produced in kegs are drunk in house, and the other six guests come from breweries across the South West.
The Port was running a takeaway beer and pizza service during the pandemic.
The Port is open daily from 9am-10pm (except Monday) and stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Black Cat, Weston.
Weston’s first micropub made it into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for 2020 after a successful first year.
Directors Nick Smith and Claire Howe opened the watering hole in High Street in November 2018.
The Black Cat has been supplying Westonians with quality real ale through its lockdown delivery service and offers healthy concessions to CAMRA members.
Nick and Claire aim to bring a unique experience to the more discerning drinkers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here