Couple raise a glass to Teesdale's first micro pub

A COUPLE passionate about a proper drop have realised their dream by opening Teesdale’s first micro-pub, which aims to take beer back to basics.
There will be no TV screens, pool table, gaming machines or loud music at the Firkin Alley, which has opened in Barnard Castle.
Instead, punters are being promised a choice of real ales, real ciders, wines, bar snacks – and good old-fashioned conversation.
The pub, which is located down an alley next to the YMCA charity shop, in Horsemarket, has one small but perfectly formed room downstairs and one upstairs, along with a cosy beer garden.
The Firkin Alley has been launched by Ryan Stones and his partner Alison Bearpark, who live in Caldwell.
Mr Stones said: “It’s all about the conversation, atmosphere and beer. You won’t find kids doing shots and spirits. Not everyone’s looking for a tear-up – lots of people just enjoy the old-fashioned pub experience.”
The couple bought the premises and have carried out most of the decoration themselves, sourcing quirky furniture such as beer barrels to use as tables and pews from the now closed Methodist Chapel, in Winston.
“It’s old meets new with a twist. Upstairs is a bit more cosmopolitan with tiffany wall lights and chandeliers, but downstairs is quite traditional. There are these reds and browns from years ago,” said Mr Stones.
The idea was sparked two years ago when Mr Stones and Ms Bearpark, who are both members of the real ale group Camra, visited a micro-pub in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
Mr Stones said: “We were blown away by it. I thought ‘oh my god’, this is what I want to do.”
Micro-pubs are a growing trend, say the couple. There are already scores of them in the south of England and their popularity is reaching the North with five opening in Middlesbrough.
The pub is offering five real ales, one craft lager and three real ciders. Customers can also choose red or white wine and prosecco – or a soft drink. No hot meals are served but drinkers can enjoy pork scratchings or a pack of peanuts with their pint.
The pub has already won the approval of Morris Race, who attended a guest night last Thursday.
Mr Race, the chairman of Teesdale Pub Watch scheme, said: “It’s very nice and tastefully done.”
Dave and Sandra Wilkinson, the landlords of the Golden Lion next door, have also supported the venture, said Mr Stones, who remarked that there was not a single objection letter when his proposal was put before Durham County Council.
The pub’s provisional opening hours are from 5pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 4.30pm to 10pm on Friday, noon to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sunday.