A pair of micropubs in Sidcup and Welling which were formerly a carpet and PC shop now offer a thriving community ambience inside their small but mighty venues.
The Hangar micropubs proved a huge success which came as a surprise to the owners Clif and Steph, who quickly discovered a loyal customer base and a bustling atmosphere.
The Hangar, located in The Oval, Sidcup, first opened in 2018 and was formerly a humble carpet shop.
The couple converted the building into a bar, drawing on their previous experience working in the hospitality industry.
Clif said: “I worked in The Moon and Sixpence in Welling many years ago but the last time Steph and I were behind a bar was in the late nineties when we worked in The Aquarium in Old Street so we were a bit rusty.
“We had no idea when it opened how popular The Hangar was going to be, but it very quickly became a busy, community hub with lots of lovely regulars.”
The pub has been listed in the renowned Good Beer Guide and prides itself on its extensive selection of cask and craft beers.
Alongside these offerings, the bar also provides premium lager brands, wines, and a diverse range of cocktails, including the popular Hangar Wallbanger.
Its outdoor seating area provides a picturesque view of the surrounding green landscape, while the rear garden, which features heaters and a retractable roof, is frequently used for private parties.
Encouraged by the success of their first bar in Sidcup, Clif and Steph decided to expand their business and convert their former computer shop in Bellegrove Road, Welling into another Hangar venue.
The Hangar Welling boasts a larger space with a comfortable seating area and even includes a garden pool table perfect for those who want to get a little competitive on a weekend.
Both venues show Sky Sports and even host a Hangar Football League with a cash prize handed out each week.
The day-to-day operations of both Hangar bars are now managed by Brooke and Charlotte, who have been integral members of the team since the bars' respective openings in 2018.
Clif expressed his pride in the accomplishments of their staff, emphasizing how much they have contributed to the success of The Hangar.
Clif explained: “We owned and ran PCUK Computers for 20 years but in 2020, with the decline in retail, thought we’d expand and open another Hangar in Welling.
“Our staff are a huge part of why people love The Hangar. We’re very proud of them and what they have helped us to become.”
Both venues offer afternoon teas, quiz and bingo nights as well as a grazing menu by their sister company, GRZ London which supplies fresh, savoury and sweet grazing boxes, and full grazing tables, platters and desserts.
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