Good Things Come in Small Pubs

In the East Riding of Yorkshire, in a town called Howden, the Tailor’s Chalk is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. With a capacity of just 15 people, this drinking spot is classed as a micropub.

Micropubs first arrived on the drinking scene when the 2003 Licensing Act was passed, which made it easier to set up a small independent freehouse. These mini pubs all share the same philosophy of keeping it simple; they focus on serving cask ale, dabbling in traditional pub snacks and using conversation for entertainment. But, they’re not common; out of 60,000 pubs in the UK, only 698 are registered micropubs.

The building has a long history and has always been well established in the marketplace; many locals remember it as Wards Bros’ tailors.

Over one hundred years ago, back in the Victorian times, a man called Moses Ward was an apprentice tailor. He moved from the neighbouring village, Eastrington, to number 3, Market Place, Howden, between 1881 and 1891. The Victorian shop was built just for him - this was the birth of the building that is now a boozer.  When Moses died in 1912, his son, William, continued the tailoring business, making clothes throughout the wars, until he was joined by his own son Arthur.

It’s hard to imagine that once there were tailors working away in the back room, sitting cross-legged on a low table, making suits. Yet now, that back room is stocked up with barrels of booze.

The history of the Tailor’s shop remains rooted in the image of the micropub. When the Tailor’s Chalk opened its doors in 2015, it was given its name as a tribute to the past life of the building. Today, a retro Singer sewing machine sits in the front window, alongside cotton threads and other vintage items, just like what Moses Ward would have used.

But, it's not just the building or beer that makes a pub memorable, it's the people running it.

It’s vital that any successful pub has a charismatic landlord behind the bar – especially in such a small one, where you can’t escape small talk with the customers. 

Luckily, the Tailor’s Chalk has one!

26-year-old, Dan Bonser is the micropub’s landlord. But, never far away is the original owner and his dad, Tony Bonser, who passed Dan the reigns when he opened the sister pub, The Malt House. The father and son duo behind the miniature watering hole are known in the town for their charisma and ability to host a great night.

The University of Sunderland sports journalism graduate, Dan, gave up chasing his dream of being a reporter to run the micropub and he’s never looked back. The young landlord has brought a refreshing image to the pub scene, compared to the stereotypical middle-aged pint-puller many expect to see running a bar.

Now, on to the important stuff...the beer!

Micropubs are the cask-ale specialists. The Tailor’s Chalk has a reputation for selling unique drinks that are different to anything else available on the boozing market.

But, Dan doesn’t stick to the same draughts on tap for long. Customers are greeted by a different choice of ales regularly, as the bar imports the latest creations from local brewers.

So, whether you’re a fan of a dark, pale, or bitter pint, the selection of guest ales on offer cater for all tastes.

The Tailor’s Chalk has even played its part in the current epidemic.

Dan and Tony created care packages, containing classic bar snacks and delivery pints, for people in the local area. The delivery pint has brought the pub to people’s homes, while they’ve been in lockdown.

In a small town full of pubs, the Tailor’s Chalk is the stand-out attraction. It’s quaint, cosy and welcoming. It proves that size and simplicity is no problem. A visit, no matter what night of the week, guarantees unique beer and countless conversations.

A mile away from the hustle and bustle of the modern boozer with a predictable menu of drinks, this micropub is sure to become your new favourite drinking spot.

It’s charming and endearing; it’s a pub to fall in love with.