FOOD & DRINK: Micropubs, maximum pleasure

Micropubs and gastropubs seem to offer a more individual, even quirky experience and many people have become very loyal to their favourites.

A micropub is defined as 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.

A gastropub is a pub which specialises in selling fine food, expanding somewhat on the more traditional idea of pub grub.

One of the reasons why micropubs have sprung up in such large numbers is that the 2003 Licensing Act made it much easier to do so.

The first micropub is said to be The Butchers Arms in Herne, Kent, which was opened in 2005.

From then on it has snowballed.

In June 2012, the Micropub Association was set up to support micropubs and its website has become a place where people can share experiences and news.

The Association has an official micropub recognition scheme which allows micropub owners to register as a Recognised Micropub Member.