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Villagers have welcomed a new watering hole which is bringing local craft ale to Whitburn.

Despite its small size, Blue’s Micro Pub, in North Guard, is already having a big impact among punters.

The pub, which officially opened its doors on Wednesday, February 5, offers a range of independent craft ales – all brewed within driving distance – in a small and friendly setting.

Landlords Alice Pye, 27, and Callum Watson, 29, have spent several months renovating the property after seizing the opportunity to run their own pub last year.

Alice Pye inside new Blue's Micro Pub, Whitburn Village | JPIMedia Resell

With ales such as Northern Academy’s dark chocolate and mint milk stout and Tiny Rebel’s jam donut flavoured pale ale, it’s fast becoming popular with those who like their beer to be a little bit special.

“The craft ale market has become massive over the last couple of years, it’s expanding rapidly,” said Callum, who has been a fan since he turned 18.

Blue’s launch night saw people queuing into the street and the couple say they were “shell-shocked” with the demand on their first weekend.

But it’s not just ale drinkers who have got their feet under the table.

Owner Alice Pye with partner Callum Watson outside the new Blue's Micro Pub, Whitburn Village. | JPIMedia Resell

Following the closure of the Grey Horse in February 2019, and the previous loss of the Whitburn Lodge, the couple, who live in the village, also felt it was in need of a new place to bring people together.

“Everybody who has come in has agreed that Whitburn needed a little something different,” said Alice.

“We’ve had a fantastic mix of people through the door. We never expected it to do so well, everybody in the village has been so supportive.”

Alice, who has worked in pubs most of her life, continued: “I always wanted to open my own pub.

Inside the new Blue's Micro Pub, Whitburn Village | JPIMedia Resell

“I would love it to be a place where everyone knows each other, we’ve tried to create an environment where you would come and have a drink with friends.

“It’s so small you can’t help but talk to the person next to you.”

For information and opening times visit the Blue’s Micro Pub Facebook page.

Inside Whitburn's Blue's Micro Pub as residents welcome new craft ale bar