The first independent pub in Whaley Bridge for 100 years opened its doors to the public on Saturday.
For Mike Wilde Whaley Tap House, on Old Road, is a labour of love and has been a massive career change from the ceramics and pottery restorer he was for three decades.
Mike Wilde says the Whaley Tap House is a labour of love
He said: “It all started with a home brewery kit on Father’s Day from my children and then it just grew and grew.
“Next thing you know I’m brewing in a proper unit but as all the pubs in the area are chained to breweries they weren’t taking my beer so I needed an outlet and when this came along I jumped in with both feet.”
The micro-pub is offering craft ales, bespoke gins and a variety of wines all the while championing the smaller names over the mass-produced drinks.
Mike said: “There is a rise in the craft scene at the minute, people want to know what they are drinking and where it has come from.
Pulling a pint in the Whaley's newest pub
“We are not offering the mainstream lagers and stouts which are available everywhere but we are offering a quality drink.
“Pub have jukeboxes and televisions on all the time which can be quite distracting. The Tap House has a small intimate feel where people come to get a good drink and talk.”
The pub, in a former florist, is also the first free house to open up in at least five decades.
Mike said: “We, my partner Jill and my children, know this a bit of milestone and it’s a great one to be part of.
The Tap House has a small intimate feel
“I’m originally from Manchester but over the last 15 years the Whaley Bridge community has welcomed me and supported me and I look forward to giving back to them. This is just the start of the pub’s journey of growth.”
