Member Article

Ilkeston micropub business supported by Baldwins

Real ale lovers will be able to stop off for a pint at a new micropub which has opened in Ilkeston.

A smoothie bar has been transformed into the Brewery Tap Ilkeston in South Street by Mandy Muir.

It is a real family affair since she will be selling ales created by her husband, Richard, who moved Muirhouse Brewery from their home to the Manners Road Industrial Estate in Ilkeston two years ago.

The couple, who receive support and advice from Baldwins accountants which has an office in Eldon Business Park, Attenborough, have spent three months gaining permission to change the use of the premises and carry out the refurbishments.

Mandy said there will be five handpull drinks including two Muirhouse Brewery ales, one other local ale, one from further afield and the fifth will be cider as well as soft drinks, wine and snacks at the micropub which will open from Monday to Sunday between noon to 11pm.

“This is my little baby and something I have wanted to do for a long time,” she said.

“There will be no television, radio, fruit machines or juke box – we will be encouraging the art of conversation which is what many real ale drinkers prefer instead of having to shout over loud music.”

Richard started Muirhouse Brewery when he made homemade beer for himself and his dad, Robbie, and a brewer snapped up 16 casks.

Two years ago, he left his full-time job in Walsall to move the brewing operation to Manners Road Industrial Estate to meet an increase in orders and business remains strong.

Mandy added: “We don’t have any regrets. It was too much for Richard working full-time, brewing beer and we have a nine-year-old boy, Matthew.

“Richard started Muirhouse Brewery on his own in July 2011 and business is as busy as ever which is fantastic.

“It is great to be selling his ales which have been created a mile away in the micropub and we won’t be selling lager, spirits or alcopops.

“There are more micropubs setting up because of the high cost of buying a pub and since it is easier to apply for change of use of a shop into a drinking establishment.

“It is great that it is finally open. I am feeling excited, nervous and apprehensive but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Martin Hinrich, of Baldwins accountants, said it was great to see Mandy and Richard’s hard work pay off.

“Micropubs are springing up all over the UK and it is fantastic to see the latest addition to Ilkeston’s real ale scene,” he said.

“I have known Richard for over 20 years and Mandy has vast experience of the pub trade including micropubs so she knows what it all entails. I am sure there will be plenty of lively banter among the customers and a warm welcome will be guaranteed.

“At Baldwins, we are always happy to provide advice to help our clients expand their business and Richard and Mandy have plenty of experience of the industry to ensure it will be a success.”

Pictures – left to right – Richard Muir, Martin Hinrich (Baldwins accountants) and Mandy Muir

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Baldwins accountants .