Pioneering Chorley micro pub is set to expand into vacant shop next door

Chorley's very first micro pub that led the way in a real ale revival in the town is brewing up its next move.
Shepherd's Hall Ale House, right, with the vacant shop next doorShepherd's Hall Ale House, right, with the vacant shop next door
Shepherd's Hall Ale House, right, with the vacant shop next door

Award-winning Shepherd's Hall Ale House on Chapel Street is getting ready to expand into a vacant shop next door.

Launched in August 2014, 'Shep's' was Chorley's first micro pub.

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Two years after its arrival it scooped CAMRA's Central Lancashire branch Pub of the Year competition.

Shepherd's Hall Ale HouseShepherd's Hall Ale House
Shepherd's Hall Ale House

And it was the branch's Cider Pub of the Year in 2017.

The pub announced the news on its Facebook page, saying: "The rumours are true we are expanding into next door.

"It’s going to take a while, it’s going to be ace and it’s going to add to our pub.

"The Sheps will always be The Sheps and whilst these times mean it’s now got a big brother, long may that continue."

The empty shop is the former Park Hair Room salon.

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A former newsagents, Shep's - based in the historic Shepherds' Victoria Hall on the corner of Clifford Street and Chapel Street.- was originally launched by three brothers - Stuart, Graham and Thomas Hardyman. into next door too.

Current owner Ruth Crabtree said:: "We are really excited to be taking over our next door neighbour's and bringing some extra space to our little pub.

"We want to take everything that's so special about the Shep's, the great beer and amazing atmosphere, into next door, too

"With a growler filling station, amazing wine and gin list and all the same great ale, we want the new area to be like the old lounge room of a pub whilst the Shep's as we know it will remain

the tap room.

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"Table service, really decent coffee and a place to book for small parties will set the new side apart.

"We are delighted to collaborate with another new Chorley business Hutchtree Bespoke Furniture with the design and furnishings which will be available to buy, too.

"We look forward to having a spacious service-led pub with great beer and drinks at the heart of everything we do."

A spokesman for the CAMRA Central Lancashire branch said: "This pub has been at the forefront of the real ale revival in Chorley and laid down a marker for others to aspire to.

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"This expansion is welcome - the extra space will increase capacity and allow them to improve their offering even further.

"Central Lancs CAMRA wish them well with this venture and look forward to visiting them again when they reopen."

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