From the Dover Express, 24 March, 2016.

The Freed Man, Walmer.

Interview with Ian Goodban.

Q: What’s new?

A: The new minipub in Walmer offers everything for the discerning drinker in a minipub atmosphere with a twist. Inside the decor is cosy and warm, with loads of nautical memorabilia covering the reclaimed wood walls. There’s plenty of seating from a long sofa to high tables and stools. The bar even has a lowered for wheelchairs users!

Q: The drinks?

A: Behind the bar are up to four real ales, predominantly from local breweries, which are served from the Victorian beer engine. Alongside these, and this is why it’s a minipub with a twist, are real ciders, a great selection of wines, selected spirits and authentic lagers.

Q: What made you decide to open your own minipub?

A: After spending three years being a tenanted landlord for a local brewery, I realised that I loved the industry, I wanted to run my own pub without any restrictions, being able to listen to my customers and offer choice and value is very important.

Q: Why The Freed Man?

A: In my previous pub I was subject to a 100 per cent wet tie - I was told what to buy and what price to pay. I wanted to give my customers a better choice and price, hence The Freed Man.

Q: What has been the most satisfying aspect of the business so far?

A: It is lovely see hear people saying “it’s been lovely to meet you” when they are leaving whether it’s to myself or someone they have met.

What has been really important to me was that people could come here to socialise all ages and enjoy a lovely drink which is value for money in a really friendly atmosphere, whether you’re on your own or in a group.

The Freed Man is open Monday to Friday, noon to 9pm, Saturday noon to 11pm and Sunday noon to 4pm. https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedManWalmer/

From the Dover Express, 6 July 2017. By Lauren MacDougall.

Landlord’s bid to raise a glass - and a smile - after pub crash.

Car wreck lands outside free house.

A KENT landlord had an ingenious reaction to a car crash outside his micropub.

A car ploughed into traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing in Walmer just after 8am on Sunday, July 2, reportedly swerving off the road to avoid a cat.

Wedged.

The black Honda ended up wedged against the railings outside The Freed Man Micropub on Dover Road, which is housed in the old Post Office.

Kent Police said, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

And Ian Goodban - who runs the Walmer micropub - amended the sign outside after the crash, hoping to make light of the unfortunate situation.

The board, which usually reads ‘without beer life is just an unfortunate accident’, was swiftly altered to say ‘without brakes life is just an unfortunate accident’.

Posting the image on Facebook, Ian wrote: “A loud start to Sunday, had to amend the sign.”

He told the Express: “I got a call early on Sunday morning to inform me of the accident, I went down to check that there was no damage to the pub - fortunately there wasn’t.

“Apparently the lady swerved to avoid a cat in the road and unfortunately for her it meant she went straight into the traffic lights outside.

“Luckily no-one was hurt.”

He added: “When I went to put our sign back out, which has been there anyway for a while now, I looked up and thought ‘hang on a minute’.

“So I decided to change it to try and raise a smile after something so unfortunate.”