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Whippet Inn 
They say that small is beautiful, so if you want to put that to the test, then we suggest you try out the first micropub in our area, the Whippet Inn in Lichfield. It opened on the 17th April, and certainly seems to have hit the ground running. The place, pictured right, is the old dress shop, sitting virtually opposite the Pig & Truffle on Tamworth Street. If you’ve not been in a micropub yet, then this is a classic example of the new phenomenon. There’s seating for about 25 people, and a total capacity of 40 or so. No keg beer or kiddie alcopops are sold, or even spirits – just real ale, real cider and fruit wines, plus a few bottled beers. Food is simple snacks, at the pork pie/scotch egg level. While Lichfield has some excellent pubs, a micropub such as this will add a genuinely new dimension. 
At present there are four real ales on the bar, with the idea of moving to five if demand allows. The intention is to showcase both local and more far-flung ales, with a definite focus on the more interesting end of the market. We certainly couldn’t fault the choices on the opening afternoon, with ales from Broughs, Morton, Olde Swan (Ma Pardoes), Sarah Hughes and Three Tuns. Beers are currently sold at an across-the-board price of £2.80 a pint. Two real ciders are also on offer. 
To the left of the bar is a conditioning cabinet, their equivalent of a cellar, with two rows of casks. They’re using a ‘CaskWidge’ system, which allows the casks to be both stored and tapped upright – a useful feature in a place where space is at a premium! The Whippet has been brought to us by Deb Henderson and Paul Hudson, pictured below outside the place. Paul was keen to acknowledge the help he has had from Morton Brewery, who have recently opened up a micropub in Wolverhampton, and so were familiar with the issues involved. Paul reported a fairly smooth ride with the planning process, so full marks to Lichfield District Council on that one! Many councils are now starting to recognise the benefits of micropubs, particularly where they occupy retail space which otherwise remains empty on the nation’s high streets. 
And what’s in the name? Aficionados of the Carry On films may recognise it as one of their classic double entendres: it’s the name of the pub in Carry On At Your Convenience. The pub is not open on Mondays or Tuesdays (bank holidays excepted), Wednesday & Thursday is 12-2.30, 4.30-10, Friday & Saturday is 12-10 and Sunday is 12-5. You should see Deb or Paul most days, so pop in and say hello! 10p/pint discount to CAMRA members 21 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP. |
Short Measure? Drinking and Driving |
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Contact Us: contact@LST.Camra.org.uk |