A WESTCLIFF man has opened a micropub in a building that was formerly used as a pubic toilet.

Wil Waring, 38, of Park Street, Westcliff, has opened the West Road Tap Micropub and Shop in West Road, Westcliff.

Wil, who has been working in the industry for 15 years, said it was always his dream to open his own micropub.

He said the pub offers something different from the traditional pubs in the high street.

He added: “At the bar we serve a range of beers that people will not be able to get anywhere else.

“These include a range of cask and craft beers from Essex brewers and suppliers.

“With the shop, customers will also be able to take the beers away and enjoy them at home.

“The concept behind the micropub is that it is all stripped back without TVs, pool tables and even fruit machines so that it is just a nice place to enjoy good conversation, good beers and a nice environment.”

Mr Waring has worked to create beers in the past with the Billericay Brewing Company.

The West Road Tap is the second micropub in Southend, with the Mawson’s Micropub in Southchurch Road, Southend.

Mr Waring added: “Micropubs started about ten years ago in Kent.

“It has taken off and I think there are about three hundred micropubs in the country.

“My micropub is in a good location as the Palace Theatre is close by so theatregoers will have a place to go and enjoy a drink before a show.

“Southend United’s ground, Roots Hall, is relatively nearby too, so football fans who want to experience a micropub will also have another place to go for a drink before and after a match.

“Although this is now the second micropub in Southend, I think that Southend is a big enough town for two as there will be demand for the business.”

Mr Warling added he worked at the Mews bar in Southend for about ten years and ended up working as manager of the bar.

He is now planning to sell a range of beers and wines from Essex-based companies and brewers to showcase the count’s excellent range of produce.

He said: “The building was owned by Southend Council when it was a toilet but it was sold off in 2009.

“Since then it has been opened a few times by different business people as cafes and bars but the other businesses were not open very long.

“Part of this could be down to the fact that it’s a small building and the cafes needed more kitchen space.

“I have made good use of the space and now it feels much bigger inside than it did before.

“This could be because I have kept it very spacious and minimal in terms of interiors.”