Steel enterprise funds micro bar in former post office

The Little Haven opened its doors in Rotherham’s Parkgate neighbourhood last month, thanks to a grant from the UKSE, which supports local entrepreneurs trying to build a business.

UKSE supports businesses in areas that have been affected by changes in the steel industry.

The Kickstart fund helped cover refurbishments costs, seeing the former post office morph into a bar selling locally sourced real ale, craft beer and ciders.

Owner Rebecca Shaw took over the space in May before using the £500 grant to give the bar a complete refit.

Space for conversations

Shaw said the pub was a relaxed environment with no music for customers to enjoy conversations and drink local beers.

She said: "The theme of the pub is to go 'back to basics' hence why no music will be played, by doing this I hope to create a niche environment where customers can enjoy a catch up with friends, a chilled evening playing board games or a chance to win at our weekly quiz night.

"Having grown up in South Yorkshire, I'm proud to be representing the area and supporting the local economy by serving beers brewed in the region including a number from Rotherham's Chantry Brewery as well as only stocking bar snacks produced by local businesses."

Micro bar trend

Alan Stanley, regional executive of UK Steel Enterprise for Yorkshire, Humberside and the Midlands, added: "Micro bars are a growing trend focused on bringing people together and are proving to be very popular – it's great that Rebecca has been able to make the most of this.

“The Kickstart fund was designed to help budding entrepreneurs fulfil their business goals and so it's great to see the Little Haven thriving as a result."

• Interested in running a pub? You can find out more about pubs for sale, lease and tenancy on the MA’s property site​.