Hazel and Andrew Smith have turned their love of community and craft ales into reality by transforming the front room of their four-bedroom home in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, into one of the UK’s smallest pubs. After buying the house for £385,000 in 2022, the couple spent six months and £50,000 converting the space into a 3.5m by 4.2m taproom that holds just 20 people.
Hazel, 53, left her travel industry job and sold their previous home in Tewkesbury to focus entirely on managing their unique establishment, J Maverick & Co. The micro-pub embraces the classic spirit of a public house, offering an ever-changing selection of craft ales and ciders sourced from local independent breweries. Despite its tiny size, the pub’s charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, where a single table for six and a window seat invite guests to connect, share stories, and put their phones aside.
“The small space truly encourages conversation; it’s the very definition of a public house,” Hazel explains. “Our guests range from locals and tourists to festival-goers and even the local rugby club. It feels more like welcoming people into your home than running a business.”
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Their historic home now blends traditional living with community spirit. Two of the four bedrooms are rented out, while the front room remains dedicated to the pub. Hazel secured a rural development loan to help cover costs related to planning permission and licensing, ensuring the transformation was both legal and sustainable.
Equipped with six taps—four kegs and two casks—and a fridge revamped from a Victorian bookshelf, the pub proudly features ales from Gloucester, Bewdley, Tenbury Wells, and the Wye Valley. Even Hawkstone Cider, backed by Jeremy Clarkson, makes an appearance. The cellar maintains perfect temperatures for the brews and contributes to the authentic Victorian pub ambiance, a nod to the historic home’s character.
Named after their grandson Maverick, this micro-pub holds a special place in the Smiths’ hearts and community alike. Andrew, who also operates a courier company, notes, “People tell us we’re the smallest pub in Worcestershire, if not the Midlands. There might be tinier spots up north, but ours is definitely unique.”
Frequent customer Michael Dalglish shares, “The ales and the owners are fantastic. It’s a charming squeeze that makes the experience all the more special. I hope they’re here for many years to come.”