Rye micropub offers model for East London

The search for reasonably priced, good value pubs can be a long and arduous one. But someone has to do it. A recent example, that offers some inspiration is the Waterworks in Rye, East Sussex. Originally a pump house, then a soup kitchen, the Waterworks micro pub is sited on a crossroads on Rye High Street. A micro pub the size of a large sitting room, the Waterworks opened in May 2018. It's a homely welcoming place. One memorable night was just prior to life as we know it being suspended with the COVID lockdown. That night, there were a few people, with the pub shutting at 8. Despite being relatively new at that time the Waterworks survived COVID and seems to have gone from strength to strength. It is a no frills establishment. Eight locally produced ales, two keg beers, 12 ciders, wine, prosecco, vodka and gin. Food is limited to scotch eggs, pork pies and pickled eggs. Everything is locally produced- within a 28 mile radius. The Waterworks always seems busy, with people inside and chairs on the pavement outside. It has won numerous awards, including from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The Waterworks is now brewing it's own beer as well - with a brewery and tap room in another part of Rye. Whilst a number of more traditional pubs in the area have bitten the dust, the micro pub model seems to be going from strength to strength. The prices may not be down at Wetherspoons level but neither are they up at the Belgravia end of the spectrum. The example of the Waterworks pub certainly offers food for thought for those living in this area looking for reasonably priced drinks and food plus good company. There is certainly the demand, as evidenced by the success of our Wanstead Beer Festival last year. Could it happen here - watch this space?