Gidea Park Micropub: the current CAMRA local pub of the year

Gidea Park Micropub, in Main Road, Romford, is the current CAMRA local pub of the year and has won the award twice before since it opened in 2017.

The independent pub aims to be comfortable and friendly, and is decorated with hanging lights, beer mats and wooden barrels.

But the building has not always looked this way.

The pub was once an accountants' office and before that a Chartered Surveyors (Image: Lucy Moles)

It was previously an accountants' office, and before that a Chartered Surveyors, until owner Trevor Howard applied for planning permission in 2016.

After a "bit of a planning battle", Trevor got the go ahead to convert and redecorate the building just before Christmas the following year.

Owner Trevor wanted to run a "little independent place" after reading an article about micropubs in 2011, and soon went from working at a Wetherspoon pub to opening the borough's second micropub.

Marketing manager Lucy said the pub prides itself on being an 'alternative to mainstream' venues (Image: Lucy Moles)

Gidea Park Micropub pride themselves on stocking an "excellent rotation" of niche beers, as well as other products such as ciders, gins and wines.

Marketing manager Lucy Moles said: "Our sheer variety and excellent rotation of niche beers from microbreweries all over the country is extremely alluring to the real ale and craft beer community in Havering and beyond.

"Our constantly updating menu allows them to try new styles of beer, but at the same time rely on us to deliver reliable, quality products, of which there’s always something for everyone."

Owner Trevor Howard serving regular Oliver (Image: Lucy Moles)

She added that the pub hopes to provide an "alternative to mainstream, chain pubs", as well as offering "a comfortable environment that has really built up a reputation for its friendly staff and atmosphere".

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The Gidea Park pub hosts a fortnightly quiz night, and recently took part in the 'Indy Pub Weekend' alongside Havering's other two independent pubs, the Hop Inn and Upminster TapRoom.

Gidea Park Micropub runs a popular quiz every other Tuesday (Image: Lucy Moles)

This saw pub-goers collect stamps at each of the venues across August bank holiday weekend, for a chance to be entered into a prize draw.

Looking ahead, Gidea Park Micropub only hopes to continue making customers, old and new, feel at home.

Lucy said: "We only wish to continue to provide the best service that we’re known for, and maintain our loyal regulars whilst attracting new customers alike."