Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 23 October 2023

THE FOUNDER of Nuneaton’s only micropub has announced he is hanging up his boots at the end of the month after being at the helm for a total of eight years.

Gary Thomas first launched the Lord Hop inside of a former nail salon on Queens Road, on the corner of Dugdale Street in December 2015, taking his vision from concept to reality.

Shortly after opening, the pub became the recipient of many real ale awards, most notably being Champion Pub of Warwickshire in 2017, with a long-standing addition to the CAMRA annual Good Beer Guide.

The Hinckley Free Press were first made aware of Gary’s retirement last night (Sunday, 22 October).

In a statement, he said: “I’m very grateful for the help of individuals who contributed to the successful operation of running the pub since its conception. Those people know who they are, and I shall be eternally grateful.

“The longevity of the pub relies on its customers, of which mine have been loyal and supportive. They are the Lord Hop.”

He further added: “Your warmth and support – especially during the ‘dark’ days – has always amazed me and I shall always be so grateful. Running the Hop for 8 years has ‘always been a pleasure and never a chore’.”

The Friends of the Lord Hop will continue and long may it do so, and as far as we know, the Lord Hop concept will continue as it has successfully for eight years.

Many patrons penned words of support and thanks to Gary for giving Nuneaton its first micropub, and for the drinks they have enjoyed, and friends they have made.

Eileen Young, Co-Founder of the Friends of the Lord Hop, said: “On behalf of everyone from the friends of the Lord Hop, I’d like to wish Gaz all the best for his retirement. Thank you.”

Patricia Janczarek, added: “I wish you all the best – you will be missed.”