Gravesend has a new place to sup a pint without fear of being interrupted by dodgy ringtones or terrible tunes.
The Compass Ale House in Manor Road is the town’s first ever micropub, a kind of no frills boozer where the emphasis is on the beer and the conversation.
The venture is a labour of love by two couples, three of whom are hoping to pack in their stressful hospital jobs for something a bit more sedate.
Charlie Venner, 37, has been joined by girlfriend and fellow Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, nurse Caroline Stroud, 41 in running the pub.
The pair also have occupational therapist John Warden, 43, and partner Rachel Roland, 42, for company.
Charlie told News Shopper: "Basically we were looking to do something else because it’s not so great working for the NHS any more.
"Eventually it would be great if this was full-time.
"We are following the protocols of other micropubs, with no music, no TVs or mobile phones.
"There are high benches going round the outside of the room, which promotes conversation as people are at the same height sitting down as they are standing up."
Charlie and his fellow first-time publicans took over what was an estate agents to start The Compass, which keeps its beers on constant rotation, as well as offering three ciders.
He said: "It’s quite nice to change an estate agents into a pub.
"I think Gravesend needed somewhere where you can get a consistently decent pint.
"We have got a little stash of malt whiskies as well, which is a bit against the rules, but they seem to be going down well."
The Compass is the latest establishment in the micropub mould since prototype the Butcher’s Arms first opened its doors in Herne in 2005.
Since then more than 70 of the back-to-basics alehouses have sprung up across England and Wales.
The Compass is open: 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to-10pm on Fridays, 12pm to 10pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 3pm on Sundays.
Visit facebook.com/thecompassalehouse
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