BEHIND THE SCENES

This month Kyra Tarr takes us pub-hopping through the Midlands (p 96). From craft breweries to old and potentially haunted properties, sipping ale has never been so scenic!

How did you choose the five pubs in your story?

I grew up in the Midlands. Instead of clubbing like the city kids, we’d go pubbing! I love an open-mic night to this day… The pubs in the story were all my old haunts. Nostalgia had a big role to play.

Was there a pub that didn’t make the cut?

Yes, there’s a lovely historic estate called Hebron Haven in Dargle, with an old hotel and pub on the property. It’s recently come under new ownership and they are in the process of renovating. It’s sure to look stunning post-facelift.

Biggest challenge of the story?

Every old building has a history; the challenge lies in finding the most interesting kernel of that history and tying it to the present. It might have been a pub-hop, but it was certainly not a frivolous one!

What is your favourite night out in the Midlands?

There’s a farm next door to my family’s smallholding in Hilton called The Knoll. It’s a wonderful guest farm if you ever need accommodation in the area, and every second Wednesday night they host Music in the Hills, which is essentially a karaoke night in their barn. There’s beer and food on offer, and the talent will astonish you. theknoll.co.za