We visited a Wolverhampton bar which is proud to be the first micropub in the West Midlands, a supporter of local breweries and frequented by famous visitors

There are plenty of pubs dotted around the region which have opened in former shops, banks and other commercial settings and which offer a full pub experience without breaking the bank or taking over the lives of the owners.

While there are more and more micropubs in the region, there can only be one first, the one which started the trend in the West Midlands and led the way.

That one pub is the famed Hail to the Ale, set on Pendeford Avenue in Claregate inside a former post office and grocery store and which, since opening in September 2013, has become a must-see location for any fans of real ale, as well as a serial award winner from CAMRA.

The pub, which takes its name from a friend of owners Angela and Gary Morton who shouted "hail to the ale" when toasting the group, came about after Gary Morton said they had been toying with the idea of owning a pub to go alongside their existing brewery Morton Brewery.

He said: "We saw an article about micropubs and how they were using vacant retail premises, getting permissions in place and opening small, independent bars like this and because we had the brewery, we were always interested in having a pub.

"We were always put off by the idea of the 24/7 part of a pub, but as soon as we saw this idea and realised it could be more of a part time venture, we were out looking for premises the next day.

"It was about being able to own our own pub and tailor the hours to suit, because back then, micropubs were literally open four days a week from Thursday to Sunday and we thought that was ideal for us."

Both Gary and Angela Morton said there had been some opposition from local residents to begin with about opening a pub near their homes, but after going through the licensing processes and converting the shop into a pub, Mr Morton said it had been a success straightaway.

He said: "We opened the doors at 5pm and by 6pm, we were full, so I think the word spread very quickly, as we didn't announce it, more that we were setting up one night and felt we were ready to open up.

"When we were converting it and opening, in effect, a new pub in a residential area, a lot of residents weren't sure as they didn't know what a micropub was and we did get some letters of objection, but they now say that we've done a great job and done what we've promised.

"We've never extended the hours or added extra products like lager and spirits, so we are a real ale bar with cider and a selection of wines, and I think we're more for the conscientious drinker than the binge drinker as it's all about the quality."

The pub has also featured visits from local celebrities and members of Parliament, such as the Queen of Soul Beverley Knight, current Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer and Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge MP Sir Gavin Williamson.

Visitors to the pub, which has a main seating area with a roaring fire, then a step up to a smaller area where the bar is, can expect a warm welcome from staff and regulars alike, as well as a fine selection of beers from Morton Brewery, as well as local breweries such as Hobson's, Kinver and Titanic, with a rotating list of beers always on hand pulls and a fine range of ciders on offer as well.

There are also cobs, pork pies, scratchings, peanuts and pretzels on offer for anyone wanting a snack, while the pub is also a hub for local music and entertainment and even has its own table dedicated entirely to chess.

Both Gary and Angela Morton will be retiring from running the pub at the start of April, with their son Peter taking over the running of the pub, but they will still be part of the pub and said it is a place which has become their lives.

Gary said: "It means everything to me because we have the passion for it and we love our beer, so it's been the perfect experience for us."

Angela said: "We've made lots of friends, people who have become friends since they first came in here and we're looking forward to spending more time with them when we sit on the other side of the bar."