Micropub approved by virtual meeting to begin trading under lockdown

Joint applicants and Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members Cheryl and Mark Bates saw their vision to transform the former Memory Lane Sweet shop in Bridlington into the Three B’s micropub approved by a virtual meeting of the Eastern Area planning committee for East Riding of Yorkshire Council.  

Discussing their plans to open in the throes of a global pandemic after being given the green light, the pair explained: “We are delighted our plans have been approved, which now means we can progress on turning the current empty unit into a destination for real ale and cider lovers from Bridlington and further afield.

“We are looking to start the conversion work very soon and we plan to be open before the end of April.”

However, in an update on 26 April, the pair revealed their new venture would open for business on Thursday 30 April.

“The micropub has been in the planning for two years, and follows a large investment to turn an empty unit into a micropub," the pair explained.

“In these different times, we have been working with local breweries and a cider producer to ensure we can obtain supplies for our pub so we ensure the supply of top-quality, pub-quality beer and cider either for customers to collect or delivered to the door in Bridlington.”

Takeaway and delivery only

Given the ongoing on-trade shutdown, which has been in place since Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on pubs to close their doors​ on Friday 20 March, the pair state their offer will be initially limited to takeaway and delivery-only services once open. 

The new site will sell a number of craft real ales and ciders, sourced from local producers across East and North Yorkshire, with customers able to visit the premises to purchase two or four-pint containers – with a 20% discount available to anyone providing their own vessel.

What’s more, the publicans have vowed to only allow two people – observing social distancing rules – in the pub at any given time to collect their order and will only accept contactless payments for takeaways, in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus. 

The pub will also offer a beer and cider delivery to Bridlington residents, which can be arranged either online or over the phone.

While they intend to offer a core range of quality craft real ale and ciders sourced predominantly from local Yorkshire drinks makers on-site, they state on the pub’s website that they “would like to be known for what we don’t offer”, once fully operational.

As such, in an effort to create a venue free of “electronic distractions”, the Three B’s micropub will not offer any amplified or other electronic music or any sports or other live (or recorded) TV – while also declaring the pub a cocktail, mass-produced beer and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages free zone.

The Bates have also announced plans to open their own bed and breakfast business in Bridlington later this year, according the pub’s website.