Newcastle’s first micropub, The Split Chimp, opened back in May 2015 by former paramedic, Mark Hall.
Mr.Hall spent over £10,000 of his own money transforming the building into the first micropub in the city centre, creating a ‘home from home’ while doing all interior work himself.
The micropub has proven to be a great success in Newcastle, with Mark saying: “It’s been very busy since we first opened, so I’m trying to build upon what I’ve got now,” said Mr Hall.”
Mark plans to expand on the business and is currently looking at new properties, either potentially moving The Split Chimp or possibly opening a second micropub, he said: “I’m looking into various options and pricing them up at the moment – and it’s possible I will open a second micropub while keeping on the Split Chimp, but nothing is decided yet.”
He continued to say: “People like the space that I’ve got but at times, especially when the Split Chimp is used for a party and is full to capacity, it can feel a bit small, so I’m putting out feelers.
“Most of the people come for the beer but I’m finding the space can be small and the casks of beer are large, so you are limited in what you can take.
“So, I’m thinking slightly larger premises would give me more options.”
We wish Mark all the best in 2016 and look forward to hearing more on the development of The Split Chimp.