Many a grand scheme has been cooked up at a pub and a Sidcup woman’s after-work drink led to her owning her own mini boozer.

A letting agent for the past 18 years, Liz Twort was taken to a micro pub by a colleague for a tipple.
The 43-year-old told us: “I did not know what it was at the time - it turns out it was the most expensive drink I have ever had. I loved the atmosphere so much and was ready for a career change, and now I own one.”

The Hackney Carriage opened on Friday, August 19, in an old shop in Station Road. But opening the boozer wasn’t a totally straightforward prospect. For starters, cabbie husband Mark – whose career the pub is named after – was not initially enthusiastic.

Liz said: “I went home so impressed I told my husband and said I want to open one. My husband’s reaction was ‘over my dead body’.”

Liz spent a year researching micro pubs and got Mark on board before getting in touch with Bexley CAMRA, who put her in touch with Andy Wheeler at the Broken Drum in Blackfen where she has been working since January learning the ropes of the micro pub trade.

Liz, who was positive about the support from Bexley Council, said: “I have learned so much and met so many supportive people it's help me to achieve my dream.”

In keeping with micro pub traditions, the Hackney Carriage will serve predominantly ales and will have a no music, no TV and no mobile phone policy to encourage drinkers to talk to each other.

Liz said: “It will be a relaxed place to come chat and enjoy real ale, Prosecco, wine and a little Gin and vodka with friends.

“It has taken a while to set up due to a few hurdles to overcome but family and friends - new and old - have been so supportive.”

She added: “I can only hope it takes off as well as other micro pubs have and help bring a community together with the art of talking, as this is the micro pub ethos.” 

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