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UK's 'smallest off-licence' to open in Norwich phone box

Saul Press Saul Press with off licence in phone boxSaul Press
Saul Press has been given a licence to sell liquor at his phone box premises from next month

An off-licence which claims to be the "smallest in the UK" has set up shop in a traditional red telephone box.

Run by Saul Press, The Beer Hatch hopes to stock more than 50 craft beers in the Grade II-listed red box in Tombland, Norwich.

Mr Press currently delivers draught beers by bike around Norwich and sells craft beer and ales at markets across the county.

"It's my first little premises," he said.

Mr Press said the tiny off-licence would trade from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Saul Press Off-licence in phone boxSaul Press
The Beer Hatch will be stocked with a variety of local beers and ales
Saul Press Off-licence in phone boxSaul Press
The phone box alongside the off-licence remains in working order for calls

"I will have a fridge so people can take home some cold beers and I've got plans to do some refillable, reusable five-litre mini kegs to make an effort to reduce waste," he said.

"During lockdown, my business was about local refills of draught beer so it was very eco-friendly.

"People coming to visit Norwich will have a beer to take home and the local beer scene will be interested as well."

Another phone box next to The Beer Hatch is still in service for calls and run by BT.

It will open officially next month.

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