Go-ahead for new micropub that will toast Mansfield's rich mining history

The Coal Bucket, which will open soon on Clipstone Road West, is the brainchild of 40-year-old businesswomen Kelly Elizabeth Hallam and her fellow director, Laura Fell.

They say: “It will be a small-scale, community-focused micropub that celebrates mining heritage and provides a welcoming social space for local residents and visitors to the area.

"The interior design will reflect the area’s mining heritage through decor and interpretation, celebrating local history in a manner that adds character and identity to the premises.

“It will contribute positively to the local economy and community life.”

Mansfield was the central hub of Nottinghamshire’s coalfield for most of the 20th century, boasting some major, high-productivity pits.

Forest Town itself, originally a village, was built around the highly successful Mansfield Colliery, also known as Crown Farm Colliery and nicknamed ‘Crownie’, which was sunk in 1904 and closed in 1988.

Kelly Elizabeth and Laura submitted a planning application in January to Mansfield District Council to convert the ground floor of two units at 99-101 Clipstone Road West into the micropub. One unit used to be occupied by Sally’s Cafe, which closed last year, and the other was the Soybos African Shop mini-mart.

The application has now been granted permission, with conditions, by the council, which said the site was in a suitable location and would have no adverse impact on the area.

Their decision followed letters of support from Forest Town residents, with comments including: “This is great news for the community.”

One said: “It will be a great hub for local folk to have a quiet pint and a chat about the history of Forest Town.”

Another wrote: “Seeing empty shops in the high street is disheartening. This could really make a difference.”

And another comment read: “It will be a great reminder of our British coal mining industry, bringing back some memories for the ex-miners in the surrounding area.”

The planning application stressed that The Coal Bucket would be “distinct from a traditional pub in that it would operate on a much smaller scale, with a focus on conversation and community use, rather than late-night entertainment”.

It would have “sensible opening hours, not provide amplified music and operate as a quiet, seated venue”. It would also be child-friendly and dog-friendly, welcoming families.

The intention was to open from 12 midday to 11 pm each day, while a small beer garden at the rear would close at 9 pm.

This would help to keep noise and disturbance to a minimum for nearby residents, although it was noted by the council that the street was already a busy mix of commercial businesses, including licensed premises, and houses.

The premises were flanked by the Forest Town Chippy fish and chip shop and the Million Hairs hair and beauty salon, while opposite was Kingsway Hall community centre which includes a function room and bar.

The council sanctioned a noise management plan and felt the micropub would not create any highway safety issues. There were plenty of parking spaces in the vicinity, which was well served by public transport too.

Work has now started on the conversion, including the installation of a bar, and it is hoped The Coal Bucket will launch during the summer.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/