Blackpool micro-pub toasts real ale and gin summer

George White, who opened his second No 10 Ale House in Whitegate Drive after the success of his first in St Annes, said the Marton venture is going so well he has opened a new lounge on the first floor.

Former postman George converted an empty chiropodist shop into the bar which concentrates on selling real ales in a friendly atmosphere with none of the distractions of normal pubs.

But he said the current popularity of gin with tonic and a variety of fruit has boosted trade over the long hot summer.

George said: “We opened on July 12 and the first few weeks were understandably busy as people wanted to see the new pub.

“But after the initial curiosity trade has settled down and we have had a good summer thanks to the weather.

“We have tables outside which have been great in the sun and now we have our lounge upstairs open.”

The only slight disappointment for George was having to install TVs in the new bar.

“The customers here wanted the football. They used to disappear when it was on and come back afterwards, so we have a couple of screens in different rooms if people want to watch and quiet spaces for the others. St Annes does not have the TVs but that has a different type of customer.”

He said they were supporting local businesses, with their No 10 Blonde brewed on the Fylde coast and Black Powder Gin from Weeton and all of the nine staff were from Marton.