Craft ale pub plan for former popular cafe in Daventry town centre

A Northamptonshire town centre cafe in a Grade-II listed building could be set to get a new lease of life as a craft beer pub.

Husband and wife Richard Clifford and Nikki Squires, of The Ale Pole Limited, have applied for permission to convert the Evergreen Art Cafe at 30 Sheaf Street, Daventry, into a craft ale pub ‘very much like a micropub or traditional ale house’.

The developers say the venue would offer a ‘relaxed and social atmosphere where patrons can meet and chat’.

The Ale Pole would serve a change range of craft beers from around the country, as well as ‘traditional cider, wine and regional spirits’ – as well as a range of ‘non-alcoholic beverages, high quality coffee and homemade bar snacks.’

The pub’s proposed opening hours would be 4pm until 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm until 11pm Friday and Saturday and 1pm until 8pm on Sunday – with deliveries to the pub organised between ‘office hours’ of 9am and 5pm.

In their planning proposal, the couple said: “Without loud weekend discos, fruit machines or televisions, it will feel like a small, traditional pub despite its town centre location, attracting discerning craft beer enthusiasts out for a sociable drink or two.

“Having visited many craft beer pubs and micropubs in other towns, there is certainly a very different atmosphere to traditional pubs, one that values conversation and a sense of community above all else.”

It is expected the Ale Pole would initially employ one full time and three part time employees, with two or three jobs potentially created once a ‘proposed food offering’ was launched.

The proposal added: “As former educators, and long-term residents of our local town, we really value the community-based opportunities that we are afforded and have made many friends this way.

“We aim to create a thriving community space and extend a warm welcome to everyone in the local community. We aim to run regular features such as a Quiz Night, Keg Club, Book Club, Cheese and Beer Night along with occasional live music.

“In addition to the relaxing social space we will create downstairs, we will also be looking to maximise the use of the first floor room which will be available to book by local groups such as the local Chess Clubs or Book Clubs.

“We have already made links with some local residents who are interested in using it for their Board Games Club.”

A consultation on the scheme is currently underway, with West Northamptonshire Council planning officers set to make a decision the application in the coming weeks.