The Bunkum Tap
Illustrated shopfront of The Bunkum Tap in Bayston Hill

Something's brewing…

Opening November · Bayston Hill

Run by villagers, for the community

Support our opening

Why Bunkum

A nod to the village

For years, many residents affectionately called Bayston Hill "Bunkum", one even named his house after it. It was too good a piece of local character not to celebrate, so The Bunkum Tap was born.

We wanted somewhere that's more than a place to enjoy a pint: a room where conversations happen naturally and everyone feels welcome, whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth.

A place where people can chat, relax and spend time together

Something's brewing…

Help us open in November

The Bunkum Tap is coming to Bayston Hill, and we'd love you to become part of our story from the very beginning.

We have created three simple ways to get involved before we open our doors in November. Whether you choose to become a Founding Member, a Founding Friend, or simply offer your support, you'll be helping to create an independent, community-focused micropub that we hope will serve the village for many years to come.

Limited to 25

Founding Member

£200

Always be recognised as one of the 25 people who were there before we opened the doors.

  • Permanent recognition on our Founding Members board
  • An invitation to an exclusive Founding Members' Evening before we open
  • Priority booking for tastings and special events
  • An invitation to our annual Founding Members' Day celebration (we have a feeling these may become legendary!)
  • An exclusive Founding Member gift
  • A drink on us to celebrate your birthday
  • Your first drink on the house
Become a Founding Member

Your name becomes part of the Tap itself

Founding Friend

£50

Be part of the original community who helped bring The Bunkum Tap to life.

We're creating a special opening-edition collection of Bunkum Tap beer mats featuring the names of our Founding Friends. They'll be used in the Tap from the day we open - a little reminder, pint after pint, of the people who were behind us from the beginning.

As a Founding Friend, you'll receive:

  • Your name - or the name of a friend or neighbour - on our opening-edition Founding Friends beer mats
  • Your own personalised Founding Friend beer mat to keep
  • Your own Founding Friend card, unlocking special discounts and offers in the Tap
  • A drink on us to celebrate your birthday
  • Access to exclusive Founding Friend events
  • Your first drink in The Bunkum Tap on the house
Become a Founding Friend

Choose your amount

Support us

Any amount

If you'd simply like to support our journey, you can contribute an amount of your choice towards helping us bring The Bunkum Tap to life.

  • A little thank you from us before we open
  • Recognition as a founding supporter
  • Get the first word on opening events

Give as much or as little as you like. Every bit of support is greatly appreciated.

Make a contribution

Get notified

Be one of the first through the door

Join our newsletter and you'll be first to hear the opening date along with news about what will be appearing on the bar or any special events.

We'll only email about important stuff. No bunkum.

A pint of The Bunkum Tap beer beside a Founding Friends opening-edition beermat on the bar
Every pint, a reminder of where it all began.

Your neighbours

Your local, run by locals

Simon and Rhea aren't newcomers with a business plan. They're villagers: school runs, shop queues, dog walks and all. The Bunkum Tap is being built for the village by two people who have long called it home.

A local, in every sense.

Simon and Rhea Alton, with their two boys.

Simon and Rhea Alton with their two sons, photographed locally in Bayston Hill
Close-up of cask ale hand pulls and guest ale pump clips on a wooden micropub bar

Six generations

The story behind the bar

Long before The Bunkum Tap, welcoming people into pubs was already part of the Alton family story. Simon is believed to be the sixth generation of publicans, and these days that story continues right here in Bayston Hill.

"Nearly two hundred years of keeping pubs, and possibly further back still."

  1. b. 1759William AltonRecorded simply as Innkeeper, the earliest trace of the family trade.
  2. 1855Edmund AltonThe Boot and Slipper, Alfreton, then The Brick and Tile in Mansfield.
  3. 1881–1890sGeorge & Eliza AltonThe Brick and Tile, then The Midland Hotel. Eliza kept it going after George died.
  4. 20th centurySidney AltonThe Druid Inn, Birchover, where Simon's father Bob was born, literally in the pub.
  5. TodaySimon AltonSixth generation. Same job as always: a warm welcome and a good drink.

Thanks for joining us – Simon and Rhea

Find us

Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury
3 Lansdowne Road, The Parade, Bayston Hill, SY3 0HT

Opening

Doors open November
Opening hours to follow

Say hello

Come say hello in person, or drop by once we’re open.
Social links and email coming soon.

Help us open the doors

Every contribution brings The Bunkum Tap closer to opening in November. Become a Founding Member, a Founding Friend, or simply chip in what you can.

Support our opening