BACK to basics is becoming a theme, as more and more people discover the pleasure of moving away from the modern, bustling high-tech world every now and again and find a little bit of tradition.
The Little Ale House on Wellingborough’s High Street is a micropub, the perfect example of how enjoyable it can be to go back to how things used to be – real ales, ciders, wine and spirits, all served in a small bar where guest are encouraged to chat to one another rather than be drowned out by music or the clattering of a fruit machine.
Run by Tracie Clarke-Piggot and her husband Alan, The Little Ale House is an intimate space, just about big enough for 30 or so people and which prides itself on its hand-pulled, gravity fed cask ales and traditional ciders. The beers are mainly locally brewed, while the ciders come from local producers such as Addington Ciders, as well as from Somerset, Wales and Herefordshire.
There are 24 gins on offer as well as whiskies and bourbon, and a selection of wine.
Tracie said: “The bar is very small but that means there’s an intimate, friendly atmosphere, even if there are only a few people in, and the space and the lack of background noise encourages people to chat to one another. Years ago, most pubs were small rooms on the corner of a street, where all the locals knew one another, and that’s the feel we wanted to create at The Little Ale House.
“There’s cards and dominoes, and if someone just wants to sit and have a quite pint, that’s fine, but it’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere that isn’t always the case in pubs these days.”
Tracie and Alan, who took over the pub nine months ago, say the clientele ranges from older people looking for a quiet place to enjoy a drink through to younger clients who want to enjoy a traditional pint without the loud music and crowds of people.
Alan added: “This was Wellingborough’s first micropub but they are springing up all over now, I think people welcome a return to how a good pub used to be.”
The Little Ale House is at 14A High Street, Wellingborough NN8 4JU.