Opening a pub was Donna Taylor’s dream – until she made it a reality with a start-up grant from Barnsley Council.

Donna, an experienced social club manager, tapped into a business grant from the Council to help her open the Market Tap micro-pub in Goldthorpe.

Goldthorpe-born Donna launched her new venture in November after successfully applying for support with fit-out and equipment costs.

The grant approved under our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme covered £5,000 of the £15,000 start-up costs, which included electrical work, furniture, flooring and other essentials.

“The grant has been a good help,” she said. “I’ve managed to get things I wouldn’t have otherwise."

Donna, who ran Highgate Club in Goldthorpe for 11 years, explained why she had decided to open her own business.

"I wanted to do it for myself, and up to now, it’s the best thing I’ve done,” she said.

"I’ve got new customers and some old ones, and the customers say it’s good value.

“It’s friendly, with people on each side of the pub talking to each other and having a good chat.”

The pub is across the street from the site of the former Goldthorpe Market, which was relocated last October to the new Horse and Groom Square in the heart of Goldthorpe as part of £23.1 million of investment under the UK Government’s Towns Fund programme.

The business grants initiative has now supported three local businesses – the Market Tap, Goldthorpe Computer Centre and The Lab.

The Council also launched a successful scheme encouraging traders to take stalls at the new market, which is held every Thursday from 9am.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’ve already invested £5 million into our six Principal Towns and ten Local Centres to help them thrive, with another £30 million planned over the next five years.  

“We want to ensure our high streets are thriving with shops, markets, restaurants and a diverse night-time economy, so I’m pleased the Council has been able to help Donna launch her new micro-pub.

“I look forward to seeing this business thrive as part of the continued regeneration of Goldthorpe.”

Caption: Donna Taylor, licensee of the Market Tap micro-pub in Goldthorpe, celebrates her business start-up grant from the Council.