Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623

About us

I started in the pub trade as a tenant to a brewery owned pub. The brewery operated a 100% wet tie. This means the tenant has to buy all wet products through the brewery at inflated prices. This decreases the landlords earning potential, increases the cost to the customer and reduces customer choice. It is medieval in both concept and practice and an absolute killer for your smaller back street pub. I didn't know it at the time but my growing anger at the wet tie would eventually result in the Freed Man.

I care about pubs, not as places to get legless but as social centres for your local community. Unfortunately the last few decades have seen hundreds of local pubs close due to a multitude of reasons. But all is not lost.

In 2005 the 2003 Licensing act came into force. You may remember it as the day the pubs could open for twenty four hours. The other benefit of the new act that went unreported was it would now be easier for small premises to gain a license. It became harder for the pub companies to snuff out competition through legal objections.

That same year Martyn Hillier opened the Butcher's Arms in Herne, England's first micropub; it was the start of a quiet revolution. There are now over 150 and the numbers are growing.

So why did I jump onto this particular band wagon? It's simple, I wanted to give people somewhere to relax, meet people and socialise. I wanted my local back. The Freed Man, I hope, does that. It's more of a mini pub than a micro pub, phones are allowed and we have WiFi. I serve a draught lager, a great selection of wines, a few choice spirits and of course good British beer.

Please pop in and see we are all about, we don't bite and beards are not compulsory.

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Facilities

Real ale
Pub reviews

Reviews

4.7/5

Clive Mcnicholas

4 months ago

Warm intimate friendly atmosphere with great choice of ales.

Graham Graves

5 months ago

Blue Orbit were asked to replicate and modernise the extisting business. The project went smoothly and Ian was a pleasure to work with. Very professional and prompt payment.

Isabel Loftus

6 months ago

Great micro pub with fantastic beers and a good selection of other drinks and snacks. The bar staff are always friendly and down to earth. Great spot in Walmer.

Terry Bailey

1 year ago

Love the place great ale and cider friendly atmosphere with great staff

Alan Bushby

2 years ago

Good micro pub with a fine selection of ales. Smashing Landlord and bar crew. Lots of interesting decor. Surprised to see a Ships Bell from from one the ships I worked on many moons ago. 🍻

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Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623

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