Popular Newbiggin micropub owners to open sister venue by Christmas
The owners of a popular micropub in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea are expanding with a sister venue.
The Ink Spot opened on Front Street in Newbiggin in 2018 and was taken over by Ruby Min and her partner Mark Taylor earlier this year.
Originally launched by Ruby's mum, the couple have dedicated their time to growing the business and are now preparing to open a second pub in North Seaton named Hoppy Days.
“We’ve been looking for another premises for a while now," Ruby said.
"Our current pub in Newbiggin is a real success but we are at full capacity, especially in summer.”
Ruby and Mark hope to replicate the community atmosphere they have created at The Ink Spot, whilst giving Hoppy Days an identity of its own.
“We want to keep it the same kind of vibe as The Ink Spot, but it will have its own identity," Ruby added.
“The reason The Ink Spot works so well is that it’s not just about coming in and having a drink. It’s very community-based.”
“We have a lot of regulars and then when we have all the holidaymakers coming in. Everyone just gets talking and making friends, and it is such a nice atmosphere.
"That’s what we really want to create in the new place.”
The North Seaton venue is bigger than the Ink Spot, providing opportunity for day time opening hours and coffee service.
“We are quite limited with what we can do in the Ink Spot so this will provide somewhere relaxing to go for a coffee and a cake.
“Having more space means we can have live singers and entertainment, stuff that we really can’t do because of space in our current venue.
“We’re really looking forward to all the things that we can do in that space.”
Hoppy Days will also serve the business’s very own signature pale ale Hold Fast – something which is popular amongst Newbiggin customers.
"A lot of people come in just for our own beer,” Ruby said. “It's our own recipe, so you can only get that where we are.”
The new venue has created around six local jobs and is planned to open before Christmas.
“We're really pleased with all the support we've got from all the locals and all our regulars,” Ruby added. “It means the world.”