Canton’s new micropub St Canna’s Alehouse is the brainchild of Baptist minister The Rev James Karran. Luke Owain Boult chats to him about micropubs, beer, breweries, and who exactly St Canna was.
How would you describe St Canna’s Ale House?
The vision behind St. Canna’s is simple: to create a space that is warm, welcoming and people want to be in. Kind of a home away from home, but one where you can drink amazing local beer!
What is a micropub?
The micropub concept was first coined by Martyn Hillier in 2005, when he opened the Butcher’s Arms in Herne Bay, Kent. Essentially the idea is to rediscover the soul of the public house. As the name suggests micropubs are small and intimate but are also governed by a loose ethos: no electronic entertainment, no big brand beers, primarily real ale, try to stay off phones, seating at eye level. All of this creates an atmosphere that encourages community-building and actual face to face conversation. Micropubs are intended to be the diametric opposite of the two-a-penny, plastic chain pubs.
Where did the idea for St Canna’s Ale House come from?
I heard about the micropub idea in 2013 and went on a pilgrimage to visit the Butcher’s Arms and meet Martyn that same year. I was inspired by the setup. I also visited a number of other micropubs around the country. The more I saw the more I was convinced this was the way forward for pubs. In the last few years micropubs have been springing up in Wales too, such as Mumbles Ale House and the Queen’s Head in Chepstow, and I have visited a lot of them. I have also been inspired by my personal beliefs. I am a Baptist Minister and the ideas of being hospitable, helping people build relationships and creating community have been driving forces in my life for years.
For those who don’t know, who was St Canna?
St Canna was a sixth century Welsh Saint. Not that much is known about her but it seems as though she was from Brittany and moved to the Carmarthenshire area with her family. In her later years, she became a nun and started a number of churches around Carmarthenshire. She also must have had a following in Glamorgan because Canton, Pontcanna, and Llangan (near Cowbridge) are all named after her.
Are all the beers you have Welsh?
Yes, all of the casks and kegs we have on are from independent Welsh breweries.
Do you think pubs in Wales could do more to support Welsh breweries?
I think it is difficult for pubs to always support independent Welsh breweries because many of them are tied into the big breweries and are very limited as to what beer they can stock. But I do think where possible these smaller producers should be supported, and I also think the big breweries should make it easier for their pubs to support any local microbreweries in the area.
What are your personal favourites?
I’m a stout/porter fan, and at the moment I’m especially liking Tenby Brewery’s ‘Black Flag’ (a rum porter) and Mad Dog Brewery’s ‘It’s All Propaganda’ (a black IPA). Otley’s ‘O9-Blonde’ and Roath Brewery’s ‘No. 3 Tram’ are also winners.
Do you brew any of your own beer? If not, do you have any plans to do so?
No, I’m not brewing, just selling. I want to get St Canna’s on an even keel before I think about anything else. However, in the future who knows? I’m open to whatever comes.
