IT was just a matter of time before Pub Spy made a visit to a micropub, and dropping in to the Bull Baiter’s Inn on Saturday afternoon it certainly didn’t disappoint.

For those who don’t know the history of micropubs, the small independent public houses originally began back in the early 2000s aiming to bring back the glory days or the great British boozer.

Walking in for my first visit to the Bull Baiter's, which claims to be the only one of its type in our area, I knew straight away this was a proper drinkers establishment.

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There is small room near the bar, typical of the micropub style, and I was greeted with a warm welcome. The friendly landlord was happy to point out the choice of beers and, after some tough deliberation, I picked the excellent Baldwin IPA.

The drink is named of course after the famous Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and produced by Bewdley Brewery, the town where he was born.

The pint, which cost around £3.50, was excellent, giving that kick you get from real ale and strength which beats most mass produced efforts found in modern bars and pubs.

It also felt good to be able to support local independents often seen at the CAMRA beer festivals that Pub Spy enjoys visiting, as opposed to the big businesses names we are all familiar with.

Walking through and taking a seat in the spacious beer garden, I also could see how this place rejects today’s modern pub, going back to basics with no television, music, karaoke or gaming machines.

Although Pub Spy is not one to completely reject today's typical pub mod cons it made a refreshing change, particularly as it was great to see revellers chatting away and simply enjoying the sun and their drinks.

At one point even the landlord popped out to join in a chat with a group or regulars who obviously knew him.

That is the kind of landlord Pub Spy is a fan of, making sure their pub is part of the community.

The style of the place is all about celebrating the city's history, with medieval flags flying and the pub fully embracing the history of the grade II-listed Alfred Taylor House it is based at.

The pub building was once a medieval meeting house, dating back to the 1500 century, and is understood to be the second oldest building in St John’s.

With a building so rich in history, the owners have done excellent work turning it into a watering hole.

The garden at the rear offers plenty of places to sit, and even has its own 'summer house festival bar', complete with dart board.

A quick check of the pub's website reveals this area has also seen traditional activities such as morris and clog dancing, put on to entertain the pub-goers.

As I finished up my pint I began to think these no frills micropubs really are the future of the industry, when you consider nationally traditional boozers are closing down at a staggering rate of one every 12 hours.

Going on the evidence of what I found at Bull Baiter's if this is where we are heading, the growth of the micropub is something all pub-goers will get behind.

SCORES:

Atmosphere 9/10

Decor 8/10

Staff 9/10

Drink 8/10

Food N/A

Prices 8/10

Overall 8/10

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