A new micro-pub will be opening at Axminster Railway Station next weekend, offering a wide selection of local ales, beers and ciders.

Teresa Heggs, landlady at The Ale Way, is promising a warm and welcoming environment for people to get together and relax as COVID restrictions are eased next week.

The opening of the new micro-pub has been much anticipated in Axminster.

Having been inspired by micro-pubs and breweries they had visited over the years, Teresa and her husband first approached South Western Railway about the former office premises, next to the ticket office, in June 2019 and were granted permission to convert it to a pub.

They had originally planned to open in April 2020, and then in October, but national lockdowns have delayed their plans.

Now they are ready to welcome patrons from Saturday, May 22 for table service only until restrictions are hopefully further eased on June 21.

The micro-pub has space for about 30 seated customers over two floors, and there will be extra space in a small outdoor area.

The former office building has been given a complete makeover, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere for drinkers that compliments the history of the Victorian station building.

Teresa hopes to improve links between the station area and the local community, encouraging non-rail users to the station and create an environment where customers can relax with friends and enjoy a carefully-crafted, artisan beer or a glass of wine with a newspaper, whilst maybe waiting for a train or loved one.

There will be an emphasis on bringing people together where they can create and maintain friendships and networks.

The micro-pub will offer a wide variety of locally-sourced cask conditioned ales, new and exciting keg beers, traditional ciders and few other options for those not yet a fan of beer.

No hot food will be provided at the micro-pub, but there will be snacks and an opportunity to taste the occasional wood-fired pizza from local food trucks in the outdoor area.

To find out more about The Ale Way as it prepares to open on May 22, follow the micro-pub on Facebook or visit www.thealeway.co.uk