A NEW micropub could open up in Oxford’s treasured Covered Market if plans get the go-ahead.

The Teardrop Micropub is the brainchild of the owners of Church Hanbrewery, a family-owned handcraft nano-brewery in West Oxfordshire.

But it plans to sell products by other companies along with its own to set up an ‘informal craft beer retailer’ if it is allowed to take on a 10-year lease.

The company has been trading since February 2016 and normally sells about 2,000 litres of beer a month. It was originally set up in Church Hanborough but has since relocated to New Yatt, about four miles away.

It says it would offer ‘premium pre-packaged snacks’, all produced in Oxfordshire, like crisps and nibbles. But rather than selling its own cooked food, it will ‘encourage customers to bring food acquired from other units’ within the market.

Oxford Mail:

According to its website, the company states: “Brewed in a barn in a small village in the Cotswolds with fresh ingredients that are supplied locally and following traditional methods, our handcrafted beers are deliciously unique and 100 per cent pure with no added artificial clarifying agents or preservatives.”

Church Hanbrewery says that it produces ‘specialty real ales with the best and freshest ingredients and following traditional methods.’

The project will need the city council to officially agree the change of use of unit 22 in the Covered Market.

The brewery would also need to repaint the shop and carry out a re-fit.

The unit has been vacant for nearly a year, after the Haymans fishmonger moved out operations to a unit in Osney Mead, West Oxford.

“The shop will be fitted out in a simple yet elegant style to emphasise the spirit of craftmanship of Church Hanbrewery and the tradition of the Covered Market.”

Although the final design is yet to be confirm, beer barrels would be visible behind the bar and served straight away from barrel taps.

It would also be 'fitted out in a simply yet elegant style to emphasise the spirit of craftmanship of Church Hanbrewery and the tradition of the Covered Market'.

The company adds it might look to install ‘quirky furniture’ that could enhance the way the market looks, according to city council planning documents.

Documents state: “Teardrop Micropub is very excited to be taking on a lease in the historic Oxford Covered Market. As one of the few covered markets still in existence with active traders and businesses, this building commands a strong foothold in the city’s retail footprint.”

To comment on the application, search reference 18/02720/FUL on the city council's planning portal by visiting www.oxford.gov.uk