They’re small and perfectly formed - micropubs are the place to drink in these days.

Maidstone saw its first opened last week, in the Living Cafe in Earl Street - just in time for the Fringe Festival - and owners say they are staying true to the principles of their genre.

Forget lager and shots - Crafty’s at the Living Cafe will offer a range of craft beers from Germany and real ales, and those responsible for taking the title of Maidstone’s first micropub are sticking to the ethics which the Micropub Association lays down: a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks.

Estate agent Ben Siggins has opened the pub in the evenings at the cafe with Sam Otway, who owns Number Nine Hairdressing in Pudding Lane with his brother Joe Otway as barman.

Despite being sandwiched between Earl’s and the Druid’s Arms, they are sure there is enough business in Maidstone to go around.

Mr Siggins said: “We are looking for a totally different clientele to them, they are fine with us being there. We are trying to attract people going for dinner, who want somewhere quiet to drink afterwards.”

He added: “I drink a lot of ale too so I had a personal interest!”

The Living Cafe will continue to operate during the day, becoming a pub after 4.30pm.

Crafty’s will operate temporarily under the cafe’s licence but one has also been applied for.

A second micro pub is also due to open soon. The Cellars Alehouse will open in the cellars of the old Style and Winch brewery, close to Maidstone Plumbing and The Old Brewery on Buckland Road.

Organisers have applied to Maidstone council for a licence and change of use, and hope to open in July.

A spokesman for the Maidstone and Mid Kent branch of CAMRA said: “Maidstone has been waiting for micro pubs to come along. It is good news. CAMRA supports micro pubs as long as they stay true to the idea: they are for conversation, no frills and no music.

“We are looking forward to trying out the new ones in Maidstone.”