New plans for Craft Taproom to open in Whitstable

Founder of Ashford’s The Made Inn taproom unveils plans to launch the venture in Oxford Street replacing former Moroccan restaurant Alimo, which shut in 2019

The former premises of Moroccan restaurant Alimo, which shut in 2019.

Plans to open a craft taproom in a vacant railway arch have been unveiled.

Steve Sitton, founder of Ashford’s The Made Inn (@tmiashford) taproom, wants to launch the venture in Oxford Street in Whitstable, in the former premises of Moroccan restaurant Alimo, which shut in 2019.

If agreed by Canterbury City Council, it will be his third TMI branch, with the second about to open in Maidstone. He opened his first in Ashford in 2018.

In his bid to planners, Mr Sitton says he wants to bring the unique style of taproom to his hometown of Whitstable and that they will make optimal use of the vacant railway arch.

“This site has been left empty and neglected for some time now and will require some significant investment from us to bring it up to a great standard,” he added.

He says the arches have a kitchen which he plans to remove and turn into a snug and that second hand and reclaimed furniture will be used where possible throughout the pub.

“Along with this we plan to remove any ducting to reduce noise and smells on any residential properties nearby,” he said.

If approved, Mr Sitton says the new taproom will showcase a “plethora of unique products” with 24 ever-changing draught craft beers and six changing draught ciders in addition to a selection of artisanal spirits.

He adds that it will have a "low key" approach to noise and patron’s behaviour, much like the original site in Ashford.

“The taproom itself will operate in community driven schemes such as Pub Watch or any other trade body to protect a viable and responsible licenced social economy,” he said.

“The TMI team aspires to provide a comfortable and safe environment for craft enthusiasts to explore the exciting and ever-changing produce of micro-operators across the country. “We look forward to welcoming residents of Whitstable in the extremely near future.”

In his proposal to the council, he sets out planned operational hours of Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 11.30pm, and Friday and Saturday 11am to 12.30am.

Mr Sitton had initially looked at transforming the former Post Office in Gladstone Road, Whitstable, into a TMI but withdrew the proposals following objections from residents.

But this latest plan for the railway arches is already winning favour from the community with letters of support submitted to Canterbury council citing it as a future asset for the town.