10 Of The Best Pubs In Shropshire
There are few things more pleasing than a good pub with a cosy atmosphere, great beers and tasty food. And there’s plenty of that on offer in the pubs of Shropshire.
Salopians (Shropshire locals) are partial to their grub, much of it homely. Shropshire is famous for its blue cheese, Fidget Pies and Soul Cakes, along with delicacies from the Shropshire towns that have lent their names to treats such as Shrewsbury Biscuits and Market Drayton Gingerbread.
Some real foodie scenes have sprung up in Shropshire in recent years too, celebrating the best of traditional dishes with modern takes. Ludlow is hailed as a hub for fine pub grub, and the Shropshire countryside is a favourite for TV chefs touring the lanes to demonstrate delights from local produce.
If you’ve enjoyed a busy day exploring the top things to do in Shropshire, and are ready for a rewarding bar meal, a satisfying Sunday lunch or a relaxing pint in a beer garden, take a seat at one of the 10 best pubs in Shropshire.
If you need somewhere to stay after your meal or drinks, take a look at Pitchup's collection of local campsites and glampsites – with prices starting from just £12 per night, staying overnight doesn't have to break the bank.
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The Boathouse, Shrewsbury
The place for a bite to eat after a waterside stroll, The Boathouse sits on the banks of the Severn as it curves around The Quarry. Arrive early to grab a table with a view on the riverside terrace, or a spot by the fireside on colder evenings. The Boathouse is about as ‘English’ as a pub can get with its black-and-white timber frame, characterful history and location next to the Porthill Bridge. Chippy Tea Friday and Sunday Lunch would have delighted the hard-drinking bargees who frequented the hostelry in the 19th century. Nowadays, the menu has sufficient eclectic temptation for anyone widening their palate to a touch of Thai spice or Jamaican Jerk.
The Armoury, Shrewsbury
The Armoury is another waterfront location in Shrewsbury with a long-standing reputation as a good dining pub. Prince William was once snapped here enjoying a pint with pals when he was training at nearby RAF Shawbury. The building close to the town’s Welsh Bridge has a long history having been built during the Napoleonic Wars as a military store. After stints as a hotel for visitors to the Sutton Spa, a World War I convalescent home and a bakery, it returned to serving guests and diners in the 1970s. The Armoury is known for its British classics and seasonal dishes served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Alfresco dining on the terrace is also popular as the swans on the Severn glide by.
The Charlton Arms, Ludlow
On the banks of the River Teme, roosting as if about to topple off the limestone Ludford Bridge on which it sits, the Charlton Arms is one of the best-loved pubs in Shropshire. The menus celebrate local produce with pub classics and occasional hints of French flair that draw on its long-standing owner’s Gallic roots. The Charlton is a simple and elegant setting for a meal with a more-than-palatable vista of the river from its terrace.
The Fox, Chetwynd Aston
Not far from the centre of Newport is the small village of Chetwynd Aston. The Fox has been at the heart of local life for a century and is not far from the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey. This award-winning country pub has been collecting accolades for years for its great food served in a spacious dining area that has plentiful alcoves and side rooms for kids noisily tucking into their tea.
The Hopton Crown, Hopton Wafers
In the village of Hopton Wafers, between Kidderminster and Ludlow, the Hopton Crown is a centuries-old coaching inn. Dining at the Crown is within the ample space of the ‘Rent Room’ where locals used to descend from the fields to pay their dues to their landlord. The pub is still a favourite haunt of their descendants as well as walkers and folk holidaying in the South Shropshire area. The menu is stocked with pub classics with a sizable specials board. Sunday lunches are popular, kids and dogs are welcome, and there’s a terrace area outside to enjoy a drink outdoors.
Church Inn, Ludlow
If you like a properly historic pub, the Church Inn is the place for you. This free house has been serving up drinks to locals and visitors since the 14th century, and although it's been done up since then you can still expect to see old beams, stained-glass windows and a lovely open fire in the winter months. Grab a chair and sip a pint of local real ale or take a table and choose a meal from the menu of comfort food classic (the pies come particularly highly recommended) – either way you'll be sure of a warm welcome.
The Pheasant at Neenton, nr Bridgnorth
On the road from Ludlow to Bridgnorth is the Pheasant at Neenton. The pub is community-owned and situated in a dip in the Shropshire Hills, over the road from the pretty village church. The two cosy bars are dog-friendly with comfy sofas and a log fire, and food is served in an airy oak-framed dining room to the rear. Beyond the large windows are an orchard and a beer garden shaded by two huge yew trees.
The menus are stocked with locally sourced produce, supplied by nearby farms in keeping with the cooperative ethos of the establishment. Shropshire ales are on tap and there are regular events including live music, notably on a Sunday evening (most welcome when you’re on holiday and don’t have to face the Monday blues).
Bulls Head, Whitchurch
The Bulls Head is a familiar fixture to anyone visiting or travelling through Whitchurch, situated as it is on the town’s main thoroughfare. The pub with dining is in what was the old village centre of Whitchurch and has a country vibe despite its place in the busy town. Food is served all day, with the menu covering pub classics, burgers and lighter options. The pub is a family-friendly one with a large beer garden too.
The Lion at Leintwardine
Now technically, Leintwardine is in Herefordshire but as the Lion’s postal address refers to the Shropshire village of Craven Arms, named after an inn, it’s fair game to claim it for the other side. Plus, Leintwardine was recorded as being in Shropshire in the Domesday Book and The Lion was voted as Best Shropshire Pub a few years back.
The Lion at Leintwardine is a quiet rural pub not far from Ludlow, in a tiny village where the River Clun meets the River Teme. There’s a snug and two bars that welcome dogs, plus a large dining room. The food is classic modern British cuisine with plentiful local ingredients. The Lion is a really popular place for a Sunday roast for those touring the countryside. Outside is a walled terrace, a play area and pleasant gardens with benches on the riverbanks near the Grade II-listed Leintwardine Bridge. So lovely is it in fact, you could probably make a day of it…
The Three Tuns, Bishops Castle
The Three Tuns and its brewery are in the small town of Bishops Castle. The hostelry is a popular one with ramblers refuelling after a day walking in the Shropshire Hills. Shropshire may have led the rest with the renewed interest in craft beers and microbreweries, but there’s nothing new-fangled about the Three Tuns offering. There has been a pub and a brewery here since 1642 and real ales feature extensively on the bar choices. The brewery, which you can take a tour of, is said to be the oldest of its type in Britain. Leave room for food though, as the pub is a popular one for its ‘proper grub’ (Three Tuns XXX Beer Battered Fish is a must for ale lovers).
Stopping over for a few nights is an excellent way to make sure you can spend some quality time in the local pubs without the need to drive home. Pitchup has campsites and glampsites close to all the pubs listed here so why not make a night of it?