A Kenilworth pub has joined forces with a local brewery in the first step of a new business that could see a chain of venues open across the Midlands.

Owner of the Ale Rooms Mark Caldicott has teamed up with Leicester's Framework Brewery to start the 'The Framework Pub Company'.

The new company is bringing together the brewery's dream of serving its beer directly to customers, and Mark's plans to open a chain of his own venues based on his micropub concept.

The Abbey End pub, which first opened in 2019, followed the success of the Ale Rooms in Knowle which welcomed its first guests in 2016.

However, with the impact of Covid and the time constraints of running two venues, Mark has now entered the new venture with Framework to help realise his vision of a series of Ale Rooms across the Midlands.

"To see the picture and the vision of what I wanted to create, I needed the support so this works brilliantly both ways," he said.

"I have seen it in Knowle and how quickly it snowballs. Given the size of the Kenilworth place, it is the perfect chance to become a community hub and play our role in helping regenerate Kenilworth town centre.

"And once we can match what we have achieved in Knowle then we'll be looking at the next steps."

The Framework Pub Company will also bring in Leicester pub The Two Tailed Lion, and Northampton's St Giles Alehouse, and a new taproom is being built above the brewery itself.

Whilst the five venues will retain their own individual identities, they will all now serve Framework's vegan friendly craft beer, alongside a rotating range of other breweries ales, and work to create a similar atmosphere in each venue.

Framework Pub Company CEO Richard Owen explained: "We want people to see that the Kenilworth Ale Rooms is changing, and take a fresh look at what we're doing with this new adventure in beer, and realise this is a place for everyone.

"We want people to find somewhere that is warm, welcoming and enjoyable. It's down to earth craft beer, no snobbery, but maybe pushing you a little bit out of your comfort zone, with modern twists on traditional ales.

"We want people to come in for the beer, but we don't want to exclude people who aren't beer drinkers – we want this to be a place for the whole community."

The Kenilworth Ale Rooms will have a small makeover, with redecoration happening in the downstairs bar and the upstairs lounge also getting a face lift.

The outside seating area will also be redone, with new furniture and planters installed in time for a soft relaunch in mid November.

To fit the new model, The Ale Rooms will also expand its range of gins and wines – and even coffee - to ensure all guests can enjoy the pub, not just beer drinkers.

Longer term plans could also see a rooftop terrace open, and perhaps even an upstairs bar.

With a lot more to sort out in terms of branding and final plans moving forward, the Kenilworth branch is also looking for a new manager to help run the pub but also have a say in Framework's future.

Richard said the person they are looking for didn't necessarily have to have lots of hospitality experience, but needed to share their ethos and ambitions.

"We don't want to be a traditional chain, we want each one to be a little bit different, with the right fit for the town it's in - but the concept of an inclusive and warm welcome whilst trying new kinds of beers will remain consistent," he said.

"It's about being at the heart of the community and offering people the chance to try new things in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

"And we want to grow a business that builds careers for people who can grow with us, with opportunities to input on our direction, open up new bars and make our Kenilworth venue that jewel in the Framework crown."

Anybody interested in taking on the role can email Richard at [email protected]