An application has been submitted for Sheppey’s first ever micropub on the site of a recently closed post office.

The former Halfway branch, in Minster Road, only moved to the nearby Costcutter last Wednesday but the unit could be converted into one of the new-style pubs.

The applicant, Islander Melvin Hopper, sent off for approval from Swale council’s planning department last Tuesday.

The term micropub does not necessarily refer just to the size of an establishment but also a strict set of ethics.

Mr Hopper said the Heritage, as it would be called, would be open for a limited number of hours according to the clientele’s requirements and fit between 30 and 40 customers.

Real ales from Kentish micro-breweries would be sold direct from the cask and ciders and wines made in the county would also be available.

Lager, spirits and food, other than bar snacks, however, would not be available.

There would also be no amplified music, television, machines or pool tables, but unplugged local acts would be welcome.

Mr Hopper said there would be, “just good old fashioned conversation”.

He said: “Kent is the micropub hub of Britain. It was started in 2005 in Herne.”

“I first got the idea to open one a couple of years ago but I only found a suitable premises in February this year.”