Sheffield's micropubs are a city success story - and this is why
As pubs describe new pressures from more taxes, there is one Sheffield scene that still seems to be thriving.
Although landlords and pub managers say times are tough, the rise of the micropub has been observed by the pubs pressure group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
John Harrison opened what is thought to have been Sheffield’s first micropub, The Beer House, nearly 12 years ago on Ecclesall Road, in what had previously been a hair salon.
He has since opened a second, in Hillsborough, three years ago, in what had previously been the Hillsborough Bargains shop, on Langsett Road.
He considers micropubs to be any pubs which open up in former shop premises, and is not surprised to see that part of the sector doing well.
He said: “We were the first in South Yorkshire.
“ I think micropubs have thrived because the focus is on quality products, and community pubs. I think some places lost the focus of the pub as somewhere to meet people, in a third space where people can arrive as individuals and meet friends.
“I think they are more embedded in local cultures and people’s lives.
“Also, bigger places have higher costs. They have to pay more in wages heating and rates, at a time when people are seeing an increase in the cost of living, and the micro pubs are usually run by people living locally, with a friendly face running it, who the locals know.
“It’s getting back to basics, although there is still a place for places showing things like Sky sports, and Wetherspoons.”
He also thinks micropubs have been helped by their independence, and by not being tied to a pub company which restricts their options in terms of what products they can sell and what they charge.
He said: “If you’re not tied, you can sell what you want for what you want.”
However, Mr Harrison feels that despite the success that micropubs have seen in recent years, and their increasing numbers, they were still facing many the same pressures as their larger counterparts
He highlighted the Government’s recent rise in National Insurance contributions, and and business rates increases as problems that were affecting them.
“There will still be micropubs that close,” he said. “Micropubs may be a more viable option, but we are still challenged by today’s conditions.”