A popular Maidstone micropub will not reopen despite earlier plans to find new premises.

The Crafty Alehouse was based at Living Cafe in Earl Street from April until the end of July.

Sandwiched between Earl’s and the Druid’s Arms, the pub proved hugely popular, but this week the owner revealed that due to work commitments, it would not be relaunched.

Ben Siggins, who runs an estate agency in Pudding Lane, had planned to find a new base for the pint-sized pub, and buildings including Union Street’s Hill Town, a former Indian restaurant, were under consideration.

However, the town shouldn’t be without a micropub for long, with The Cellars Alehouse, which is being built in the basement of the old Style and Winch brewery, on Buckland Road, expected to open this month.

The 132sqm room, beneath microbrewery Maidstone Brewing Company, is being transformed by real ale enthusiasts and father and son team
Duncan and David Spencer, from Gallants Lane, East Farleigh.

A micropub is defined as a small freehouse which mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and serves traditional pub snacks.

Another town premises going through a period of transition is the Fishermans Arms in Lower Stone Street, which closed two weeks ago, but owner Shepherd Neame has confirmed it is talking to prospective landlords and it will reopen, although it is too early to say when.

Another Shepherd Neame pub, The Swan Inn, has welcomed back punters following an £80,000 facelift.

The County Road alehouse now has a refurbished garden and bar area.

Meanwhile, the future looks uncertain for Milton Street freehouse The Admiral Gordon, which closed earlier this year and was snapped up by a private buyer.

The pub, off Tonbridge Road, remains closed and looks set for development.