Micropub To Move

A WESTCLIFF micropub and bottle shop is being forced to move due to the cost of damp repairs.

 Named in honour of Southend’s iconic seafront structure, The Mile and a Third was opened by Andrew Ferguson and his twin brother Nick on March 8, 2019.

Since then, it has garnered local and national acclaim, recently winning South East Essex branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s Pub of the Year for the fourth time in a row.

However, five years down the line, the business faces closure at its current site due to rising damp issues, with the twins facing their share of up to £225,000 in roof repairs and rendering costs for the building.

Andrew told Leigh News: “In addition to the repairs, utility bills here are also ridiculous.

“I now pay £1300 a month for water when it was £1000 a year. It’s crippling me and affecting the way I can run the business.”

Designed in an unusual L-shape, The Mile and a Third is on the corner of both Canewdon Road and Hamlet Court Road.

It is only able to operate as a pub on Canewdon Road for on-sales drinking, and operates as an off licence on Hamlet Court, due to council licensing restrictions.

Andrew, who confirmed that he is hoping to find somewhere else on the same road to reopen, reflected on the end of an era: “The regulars keep us going and the CAMRA bunch worked with us, it’s just sad this is all coming to an end at this site, as the venue is one thing people like about us.”

A regular at the micropub, James Sirrell, 32, said: “It is very sad news that the pub is begin forced to move location.

“Pubs face increasing difficulties, so it is so important to support our local businesses and keep them alive.”

Report by Sophie Sleigh-Johnson.

Picture: The Mile and a Third has a unique place on Hamlet Court Road. Pic James Sirrell.

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