'It's a unique scenario' - Inside Lidl's first ever pub

BBC

When you enter The Middle Ale, it may look like a regular pub, but the reality is far from that.

Owned by the supermarket chain Lidl, this public house is a 'world first' for the brand.

With the walls painted in bright primary colours and the shelves stacked with produce, the venture may look like a gimmick, but underneath that shine the brand is making a stark statement about Northern Ireland's licensing laws.

The journey from inception to opening day was a long one involving courts, hurdles, and a creative solution to an old problem.

Legal hurdles

In Northern Ireland, supermarkets must overcome two hurdles before they can start to sell alcohol.

They first must buy a licence which has been "surrendered" by another business, such as a pub which is closing.

This "surrender principle" acts as a strict cap on the number of premises which can sell alcohol.

Secondly, the supermarket must pass the "inadequacy" test in which it has to show the number of existing licensed premises in an area is inadequate to meet the needs of the public.

Lidl could not pass the inadequacy test for a standard off-licence but was able to pass the test for a pub as two bars close to the supermarket have closed in recent years.

BBC News NI was given exclusive access to the site ahead of opening day.

Named The Middle Ale in a play on the chain's famous middle aisle, the company is adamant this is not a stunt.

"The challenges surrounding the liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland, they're well known and long documented," Gordon Cruikshanks, regional managing director for Lidl Northern Ireland said, adding that it's been "a long wait".

When asked if the licensing laws should be updated, he said it was "for others to continue to discuss".

The company spent £500,000 creating the pub and adjoining off-licence, hiring eight additional staff members.

"In the Dundonald area, there's been a significant increase in the population, and whenever we saw the opportunity to open a pub, we thought that was the best option to be able to provide the community in Dundonald with our full range of products so they can do a full shop with us," Cruikshanks continued.

"This is certainly a unique scenario for us, but we don't have any plans currently to open any more pubs."

What has the reaction been?

Charlie Steele told BBC News NI that the pub is "absolutely fantastic" and "just what the area needs".

"We've lost a couple of pubs in the last three or four years and I think it's the first one in Europe… we're really looking forward to it," he said.

He said it doesn't bother him that a multinational company is behind it rather than a local independent business owner.

"It will bring new beers, German beers, Belgian beers, and stuff like that. It'll be something new."

Everal Thompson agrees that a new pub in the area is a good thing.

"There's nothing up here now, so there's nowhere for anyone to go, I think it's needed," Thompson said.

When asked what her thoughts are on it being a multinational company behind the pub rather than an independent and local owner, she said: "Well, there was nobody that was going to open one, so I think it's handy."

Although she said she "probably" won't visit the pub.

Ray Johnston said it's "exciting".

"There's another pub down the road, so it wouldn't be anything new having a pub in Dundonald, it's just something different having a pub that's also a supermarket."

Alliance Party councillor Martin Gregg said people were really excited by the novelty aspect when it was first announced.

"That was a long time ago, so it will be interesting to see how the concept plays out locally," he said.

DUP councillor Sharon Skillen said the pub "could provide a valuable new meeting place and create local jobs.

"It must ensure it respects nearby residents and local infrastructure."

Why is Lidl opening a pub?

Lidl plans first ever in-store pub in NI after winning court battle

Lidl begins building its first ever pub