THIS week I embark on a double beery mission. A trek that identifies the burgeoning growth of the micro-pub. Simply, a one-room drinking establishment where ale and conversation is a perfect marriage - and is paramount.

I seem to be hearing of a new micro-pub opening its doors on a weekly basis. And the two I hunted down with my beery compatriot, John Ingham, had both opened in the last month.

Early Doors, just o'er t'border in Skipton, was our first destination. A pub jointly owned by Don Hinchcliffe and Mick Dunford. The name derives from the pairs favourite sit-com about a Manchester pub.

It's situated on Market Street. And just a few doors down from Wetherspoon's. The former bookies had been shut for 18 months and Don said: "It was like a black hole. It needed plastering, rendering, re-wiring and a new ceiling. Apart from that it was alright!"

It's a relatively small oblong shaped room. Its crimson and cream decor, in addition to the concealed lighting, gave it a well lit and bright environment.

The small serving counter had six cask ales on the bar and the pub was already doing brisk business. A good eclectic mix of clientele were present, not forgetting sheepdog, George, flat-out after a walk in the Dales.

Don offered a selection of local ales all priced at £2.60, irrespective of strength. Four were from Burnley with Worsthorne, Reedley Hallows and Moorhouse's represented.The remainder were from Naylor's of Crosshills, near Keighley. I plumped for Naylor's Black and Tan initially. Then it was Reedley Hallows, Old Laund Bitter. Both delicious and in exceptional condition.

We were a little loathe to vacate this welcoming and friendly watering hole. Don had been the perfect host. However, I was eager to call in at another micro-pub/bar in Colne, namely, the Tapster's Promise.

It's situated directly across from Pendle Hippodrome. And forms one of a triumvirate of micro's - all amazingly next door to each other!

A more quirky environment here with its wood-chipped clad walls, exposed light bulbs and contemporary furnishings. However, along with some modern artwork adorning the walls, the place had a really cool, fresh feel and look about it.

It's owned by Oliver Brookes and has been open for only a month. Four cask and two keg beers were on offer. His line-up was very much to my liking. It included beers from Hardknott (Cumbria), Cloudwater (Manchester) and Wishbone from Keighley.

I had time to sample the Cloudwater Stout (£2.80). They brew superb beers. It was a belter and in great nick and went down a treat.

Oliver appeared very passionate about his beer. He said: "I believe the cellaring is most important. I stock beers for one, two and three months. The cellaring adds integrity to my beers."

Tapster's Promise gives you a different drinking experience in my opinion with ales that you don't usually find locally. I found the choice very much to my liking. And I suspect other discerning beer drinkers will enjoy the tasty offerings in this contemporary, go-ahead bar.