From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Chris Hunter, 24 August 2019.

After game rugby banter leads to new Mole Hole micropub in Gravesend.

A trip to this new underground drinking den could lead you to bump into a hooker or get into a ruck...

But that’s only if you end up signing up for the Moles rugby team. For others who enter the Moles’ new business venture in Gravesend High Street it’s probably enough to enjoy a pint of cask ale and a chat in the town’s latest micropub, The Mole Hole.

The new bar launched last month, with an opening night which brought punters old and new to the site of the former Cellar Bar, to enjoy music from folk duo Fiddlefit - who are set to return to entertain again at the micropub on Saturday night. Graeme Trigg, one of 10 partners behind the scheme, said the idea had its roots in Gravesend Rugby Club.

Left to Right. Steve Weeks, Wendy Sinclair, Jannine Weeks and Alex Sinclair toast the new pub. Picture: Phil Lee.

Basically the Gravesend Rugby Club Moles team was started 23 years ago by the dads of the mini rugby team,” he said. “They decided they wanted to have a charity match but the idea stuck and the Moles grew and grew. It’s basically a bunch of silly old farts who really ought to have stopped.” Silly or not, the Moles seem to have a knack of bringing ideas to life, so when someone suggested a new business venture, they soon leapt into action.

“This idea started with some typical after-game banter,” added Graeme. “Someone said we should set up a pub; then the Old Cellar bar came up and we thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Graeme said the Mole Hole has had great support from Gravesend’s other micropubs - The Compass and Three Pillars - along with Iron Pier brewery, adding: “I think micropubs are still up and coming. We’ve had lots of comments saying it’s fantastic. We’re seeing new people come in and they’re coming back because it’s a decent pub. There’s been such a warmth and enthusiasm for it - people are just so pleased to see another micropub opening up.”

Fiona Norman pulls a pint in the cellar. Picture: Phil Lee.

The bar opens Tuesday to Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturdays noon to 10pm and noon to 6pm on Sundays; and follows the traditional micropub aim to provide quality ales and other drinks in a friendly environment, with no TV or loud music. Find @moleholepub on social media platforms for more info.