FOR many, the idea of owning a pub seems like a pipe dream. Something discussed over a beer and quickly forgotten.

But for one set of friends that dream will become a reality when Danny’s Craft Bar opens on Friday, July 10.

The bar, which will sell micro-brewed craft beers from all over the world, as well as cocktails, wines and more regular drinks, aims to fill a hole in the Salisbury bar scene.

Co-owner James Hayward who is one of a group of seven which bought the bar,said: “It was a bit of a brainchild of [co-owners] Dave [Hancock], Tom [Morton] and myself. We sat down and thought what would like to see in an establishment.”

Dave added: “There are some excellent venues in this city but they can be very similar. Pretty standard drinks list, pretty standard wine menu, so we decided there was a gap in the market to provide something a little bit different.

“We are going to have world beers, craft beers, and I think it is also really important to mention a lot of pubs in Salisbury are owned by big pub chains.

"So we are in a really unique position to be one of only four or five pubs which don’t have ties to a pub company. We are able to source all of our beers and lagers from wherever we choose so we can try and support small local breweries.”

The Salt Lane establishment is on the site of former Irish bar Conrans and has

undergone a total refurbishment since the freehold was bought from pub chain Admiral Taverns.

One of its more unique selling points will be an area where customers will be able to challenge each other to a quick game of table tennis.

“Everyone I speak to from the age of 18 to my 80-year-old grandad really like this concept,” Tom added.

“It is not just about beer – we are going to have a nice cocktail menu.

“The general manager has won awards for his cocktails, so there will be something for everyone.

“We are seven owners who all live locally, drink locally – the whole point of this was to give something back to

Salisbury.”

The pub will also offer a selection of pub foods as well as broadcasting live sport, although the group were keen to point out this will only be for the biggest sporting events in the calendar.

It is also not a place they want people to see as “geeky”, instead being a place where a group of guys and girls are able to go for a relaxed night.

Dave said: “People can be unsure about trying different beers, it is the same with food, but I used to work for a brewery and our general manager has won awards in Exeter, so through our knowledge hopefully we can help educate people to try different things.”