THE doors of Clitheroe’s first micro pub are set to be opened next month.

The company behind the annual Middle Earth Beer Festival in Hurst Green is in the process of converting the former Athertons Estate Agents building in Market Place into the town’s latest night time offering.

The Ale House at Clitheroe will create around five new part-time jobs and is set for its grand opening on Friday, April 3, after a £15,000 refurbishment project.

Hogshead Promotions, which was established by Simon Foster in 2013, is behind the new venture which will stock craft, cast and real ales from local micro breweries and bottled beer from across the country.

The former joiner set up the company after selling the Aspinal Arms in Mitton in 2012 after ten years.

Simon, 42, who will also work at the micro pub, said: “I’m really excited and I can’t wait to open the doors.

“This will be the first micro pub in Clitheroe and there is a real demand for this kind of thing in the town.

“It will provide something different for the nightlife as most of the other venues are either cocktail bars or traditional pubs.

“This will provide somewhere which will be a great place for real ale lovers.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council has been sent a licensing application from Mr Foster which will determine hours before the micro pub is due to open for the first time.

Hogshead Promotions, which is based in Hurst Green, is applying for permission to be open until midnight on selected days such as St Patrick’s Day, Hallowe’en and Christmas Eve.

Permission is also being sought to be able to play live music, to supply alcohol and to open the premises to the public.

Nigel Evans, the borough’s MP and the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: “I’m absolutely delighted and yet again this is an example of expanding the choice for the folk in the Ribble Valley.

“The area has a growing reputation for real ale and this is great news for everyone.

“I fully intend to be there on the opening night and this is another reason for people to raise a glass and say cheers.”