Middlesbrough to get ANOTHER new micropub - if planning permission is given

The former site of a well-known tearoom could soon be the home of a new micropub - if a planning application is given the green light.

A premises licence is being sought to transform the former site of the Olde Young Tea House on Grange Road in central Middlesbrough into a new bar.

The Olde Young Tea House was voted the nation’s favourite independent business in August 2014 and moved next door to larger premises last year.

Now the current owner of the unit, Michael Hill, has applied for permission to turn the address into a micropub catering for real ale enthusiasts.

The 33-year-old, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, said: “We’re planning to call it The Infant Hercules after the famous quote from William Gladstone.

“We already run the Longlands Club and it’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a while.

“It’s an alternative to the big pub chains and something for the enthusiasts to enjoy.

“You can come in and talk to someone you’ve only just met - that’s something you lose with a town centre big pub or club.

The Olde Young Tea House, with its former building next door

“We’re currently renovating it and getting the bar installed. We just hope our application goes through and we can get started.”

The application, currently being considered by Middlesbrough Council, requests permission to play recorded music and sell alcohol from 1pm until 11pm daily.

There has been a growing trend in the popularity of micro pubs in recent years on Teesside.

In Middlesbrough, micropubs such as Dr Phil’s in Linthorpe, Devil’s Advocate on Borough Road, and Sherlocks and Twisted Lip, both on Baker Street, have proved very popular.

And in Billingham, The Green Hops on West Road continued the trend when it opened in December while in Stockton, The Golden Smog was the first in the town to enter the fray back in August.

Middlesbrough Council is currently considering the application for the premises licence for the Grange Road unit and will accept comments and representations from the public until March 6.

The application can be viewed here.

Read more about pubs and restaurants on Teesside here