High street to be brought back to life by 'micro-pub' celebrating local heritage

High street to be brought back to life by 'micro-pub' celebrating local heritage

WATCH: Jack Carson's GB News report on pubs in the community

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GB NEWS

Dan McDonald

By Dan McDonald, 


Published: 22/04/2026

- 06:54

Residents have hailed The Coal Bucket's opening as 'a great reminder of our British coal mining industry'

A high street in Nottinghamshire is set to be be brought back to life by a brand new micro-pub which will celebrate the town's local heritage.

The Coal Bucket - which will pay tribute to Mansfield's coal-mining past - has received approval from the local council for a site in Forest Town.


The venue will occupy two former retail premises on Clipstone Road West.

Businesswomen Kelly Elizabeth Hallam, aged 40, and fellow director Laura Fell are behind the project.

The pair said: "It will be a small-scale, community-focused micropub that celebrates mining heritage and provides a welcoming social space for local residents and visitors to the area.

"The interior design will reflect the area's mining heritage through decor and interpretation, celebrating local history in a manner that adds character and identity to the premises."

They added: "It will contribute positively to the local economy and community life."

Mansfield District Council granted planning permission on Friday, determining the location was appropriate and would not negatively affect the surrounding area.

Site for the Coal Bucket

The venue will occupy two former retail premises at Clipstone Road West

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The two units previously housed Sally's Cafe, which shut its doors last year, and the Soybos African Shop mini-mart.

Ms Hallam and Ms Fell lodged their planning application with the council back in January.

Forest Town grew up around Mansfield Colliery, which locals nicknamed "Crownie" and was also known as Crown Farm Colliery.

The pit was established in 1904 and operated until its closure in 1988.

Throughout much of the 20th century, Mansfield served as the primary centre of Nottinghamshire's coalfield, home to several highly productive mines.

Mansfield miners

Throughout much of the 20th century, Mansfield served as the primary centre of Nottinghamshire's coalfield

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GETTY

Locals then wrote letters backing the proposal during the planning process.

One supporter commented: "It will be a great hub for local folk to have a quiet pint and a chat about the history of Forest Town."

Another resident wrote: "Seeing empty shops in the high street is disheartening. This could really make a difference."

A further letter said: "It will be a great reminder of our British coal mining industry, bringing back some memories for the ex-miners in the surrounding area."

The planning application said The Coal Bucket would be "distinct from a traditional pub in that it would operate on a much smaller scale, with a focus on conversation and community use, rather than late-night entertainment".

\u200bMansfield District Council say it has received 'hurtful, divisive, and frankly unacceptable language'

Mansfield District Council granted planning permission on Friday, determining the location was appropriate

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GOOGLE

Construction of The Coal Bucket in Mansfield

Conversion work is now underway, with bar installation in progress and hopes for a summer opening

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FACEBOOK/THECOALBUCKET

Conditions attached to the approval include operating hours between 10am and 11pm, with no amplified music allowed.

A modest beer garden at the rear must close by 9pm each evening.

The establishment will welcome both families with children and dog owners.

Neighbouring businesses include Forest Town Chippy and Million Hairs salon, whilst Kingsway Hall community centre sits across the road.

The council approved a noise management strategy and concluded there would be no road safety concerns, noting ample parking and good public transport links nearby.

Conversion work is now underway, with a bar being installed with an eye on a summer opening.