Baptist minister to open micropub

St Canna's will be a meeting point for people in the community and the "diametric opposite” of “plastic” chain pubs

A Baptist minister is to open a new micropub in the heart of his community.

James Karran has received planning permission to convert a former hair salon in Canton, Cardiff.

James, who leads Llan, said the pub will aim to promote real ale and be a meeting point for people in the community.

‘There are two main elements that I see,’ he told Wales Online, ‘One is promoting local real ales and craft beers in a place for connoisseurs, where people can enjoy the ales rather than simply downing drinks as quickly as possible.

‘It will also be a place where people can build relationships – creating, literally, a public house space.

‘For me it’s all part of my vocation and calling, to create the space where people can get to know each other. But instead of in a church it is in a pub – and it is not a religious thing at all.’

Speaking to The Baptist Times, James explained it’s an idea he’s had for around four years.

‘Only in this last year have circumstances permitted me to explore it seriously. There have been lots of potential hurdles along the way, such as securing the funding, finding premises etc. But one by one I've somehow jumped them!’
 
James, who once ran church services in a night club on Sunday evenings, has always felt that the Church should be demonstrating God's love to people in real and tangible ways.
 
‘I don't believe we should sit inside purpose built ecclesiastical buildings expecting people to come in,’ he said. ‘I think those who have experienced God's love need to be where people already are and look for ways to serve, build relationships, practise hospitality and try to show it is possible to live out of this transformational experience of love.
 
‘The ale house will be one expression of this vision, but I'm sure there could be hundreds of different expressions where there is a willingness to take risks and step outside the box.’
 
The plan is to open the pub in early March. It will be called St Canna’s Alehouse, after the saint who lends her name to both the Canton and Pontcanna districts of Cardiff. Its opening hours will be Wednesday to Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm and Sunday 12pm-10.30pm.
 
St Canna's will not sell commercial lagers, spirits, shots, or food, only simple bar snacks. James told Wales Online it will be the “diametric opposite” of “plastic” chain pubs.

Keep up-to-date with progress through the St Canna's Facebook page