Micropub with a Small Brew Kit

Local regulars, people who like a quiet pub and drinkers who want to try small-batch beer.

Drinks sales over the bar, with a little takeaway beer. Keeping the menu simple and the team small keeps running costs down.

• Small-scale brewing, learned through a course or experience
• Cellar care and keeping beer in good condition
• Welcoming customers and building a regular crowd
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• A premises licence and a personal licence holder, check the rules for your part of the UK with your local council
• Planning and change of use for the unit, and checks with the landlord on brewing, noise and drainage
• Registering with HMRC for alcohol duty on beer you brew, and checking whether any small producer relief applies
• Registering with the council if you serve food, and following food hygiene rules
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you hire
• A small space limits sales, so check your numbers work with a modest turnover

Startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, brewing kit, cellar equipment and licences. These are estimates, so build your own costings before you commit to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on location, opening hours and how busy you get. A small space limits sales, so check your numbers work with a modest turnover.

Check premises licence and personal licence holder rules with your local council, plus planning, change of use and landlord consent for brewing, noise and drainage. Also check HMRC alcohol duty registration, food registration if you serve food, and insurance.