The Old Tap has opened in former Halifax building in Beccles

Matthew and Cloe Mills are owners of the The Old Tap in Beccles.

It is based in Market Street in the former Halifax building.

It offers ten real ales and eight craft beers and ciders, alongside a selection of wines, gins, and spirits.

Mrs Mills said: “Our first couple of weeks have been absolutely fantastic. The Old Tap has been welcomed with open arms to Beccles town.

“The feedback and support we have received is just phenomenal and we are so grateful for everyone's kind reception.”

READ MORE: Old Halifax in Beccles to become new business The Old Tap

Customers have been enjoying the new taproom since it opened earlier this month (Image: The Old Tap) READ MORE: Shadingfield Fox is CAMRA rural pub of year

The inspiration for the bar came from “a love of the trade from both sides".

Mr Mills previously owned the CAMRA award-winning pub, the Shadingfield Fox in Beccles, until 2021.

Mrs Mills said: “His love of the trade and real ale led us to the Halifax building to open up something new in town.

“It’s been a long road, with lots of hurdles but with the help of my father, Michael Nelson, we’ve been able to overcome most of them."

“He is the very reason we’re open today, from building the custom bar for ten real ales and a wall for craft taps to come straight through from the cellar.

“We couldn’t have changed the building inside the way we have without him.”

The bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 11pm (Image: The Old Tap)READ MORE: New details revealed for Beccles' first Soapbox Derby

The bar’s planning application was approved earlier in the summer by East Suffolk Council.

The plans said they were “sensitively designed” with caution to “preserve the character and appearance” of the building.  

The building is grade II listed and lies in the town’s Conservation Area.  

The Halifax branch closed its doors in July 2022.