Great Ayton’s first independent micropub has opened its doors – after a local family spent months of hard work creating a unique bar for the village.
The Tannery began serving its first cask and craft beers and gins to the public on November 4.
It was created by Great Ayton resident Jo Blackmore, who designed the quirky interior, and her husband, Steve who helped build the bar and other fittings.
Also involved in the project are Jo’s sister-in-law and her brother-in-law, Jonathan Blackmore, who runs an Edwardian ale house in York, The Minster Inn.
They hit upon the idea one Christmas, after Jonathan wanted to go somewhere in the village for some real ales and found there wasn’t anywhere catering for real ale fans.
Jo said the idea than progressed and they decided to set about creating a cosy venue for people of all ages to enjoy a few drinks or coffees. It’s situated in The Arcade in the village, in what was previously a hair salon.
“We’ve had really good, positive feedback from everybody so far,” she said.
“It gives everyone somewhere else to go to as well as the other pubs here. I think it attracts a totally different type of person; people who drink in traditional pubs might not drink in a micropub and vice versa.
“Last weekend a couple of gentlemen came in who said they usually only drank at home; they went through the ale list and then did them all again.”
The main cask ales at the micropub are rotated and gins, wines and other spirits are also served, along with coffees and soft drinks.
So far it has attracted everyone from people who normally drink at home, to walkers, cyclists and some new mums.
“I wasn’t an ale drinker until we opened this pub,” said Jo.
“Sam, the bar manager, has a wealth of information and knowledge about ales.
“She’s only young but she has a real interest in ale and a passion for it.
“She has been explaining how some of the ales need caring for and tells us which casks not to touch or move because of the way the casks are lined and how they need to air and the way some of the different ales need to be pulled – they’re looked after like babies!
“The regulars have taken to her and she’s great at recommending ales people will like.”
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