From the http://www.kentonline.co.uk By Suz Elvey 22 September 2016.

Micropub The Malling Jug planned for West Malling High Street.

A house in West Malling High Street could be turned into a community-friendly micropub if one man from the town gets his way.

David Catterall has submitted a planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, proposing transforming the vacant home at number 52 into a cosy space where customers can enjoy a beer and a chat without the distraction of music, televisions or fruit machines.

He and business partner Rick Mason intend to name the micropub The Malling Jug.

The property is currently divided into two flats and the ground floor one, and attached outdoor space, would become the micropub.

The pub would have an outdoor garden area, which would close an hour before the pub shuts.

The first floor flat would be converted into a self-contained home.

In his application Mr Catterall, who already owns a food and beverage business and employs 700 people, stressed he does not see the micropub as a “high revenue creator” but believes it will “re-establish a lost tradition in West Malling”.

He added: “In summary a micropub is a small drinking house solely concerned with selling locally brewed traditional ales and beers to a typically middle aged (and upwards) customer in an environment conducive to conversation.

“This is at stark odds to the typical brewery-owned formula of large premises serving continental, non-domestic drinks in an environment drowned in music late into the night.”

Mr Catterall intends to welcome customers between midday and 9pm from Tuesday to Sunday and says he will support local breweries. The prospective landlord hopes to open on bank holiday Mondays then close the following day.

He collected letters of support from 22 residents before submitting his application and nine people have written to the council to express their approval of the scheme.

The UK’s first micropub, The "Butcher’s Arms," opened in Herne, near Herne Bay, in 2005 and there are now more than 40 across Kent and more than 250 nationally with many others planned.