A self-proclaimed fermentation nerd has unveiled plans to transform an old town centre pizzeria into a taproom.

Mike Jones revealed the Fermentorium in Ramsgate will boast 16 speciality draughts behind his bar and a steampunk bedecked lounge where guests can play board games.

Brewing since age 15, he will offer visitors an array of drinks and food with fermentation in mind, with a nod to local producers.

Done up in decor loosely described as “steampunk-meets-fermentology” the quirky two-floor boozer in King Street will serve items such as kombucha, kefir and kimchee.

“I think not too many people know about the food side of fermented things everyone thinks of that as being totally separate but really it’s all part of one ecosystem,” he said.

“The plan is for it to be a taproom that sells craft beer - 14 taps, with two imperial stouts, two smoothie sours and a variety of local brews.

“Hopefully they’ll also be wine and a little sake and then a couple of fridges of fermented foods, eventually I’ll start producing my own but to start with I’ll be promoting local fermenters.

“I like to say half the business takes it out of the gut and the other half puts it back in again.”

The 31-year-old discovered a taste for the dark yeasty arts when he began brewing up his own supply of ales at age 15.

After a brief time in the British Army he tried out a variety of jobs and traveled the world before settling in Kent in 2021.

He resolved to open the quirky boozer to share his passion and add to community life.

“I’m a brewer by trade, but my experience is intertwined with all forms of fermentation,” said Mr Jones.

“Coming from a background of food scarcity, being able to teach people about how they can use fermentation to save money and improve their health I think is a really good thing to share with people.”

The Canterbury resident says as wells as being a bar, he hopes the Fermentorium will host lectures, classes, tasting nights and tap takeovers with guest brewers.

He added: “I very much want it to be a space where people can nerd-out about the things they’re interested in, play board games and make new friends.”

Formerly Super Kings Pizza, the space currently needs significant renovations but Mr Jones hopes to begin welcoming guests around October-November.