Landlords in Shropshire’s top tourist hotspot are putting on a brave face despite the credit crunch and a run of soggy summers and floods.The Ironbridge Gorge was packed with thriving gastro pubs and restaurants, rivalling Ludlow as a foodie destination. But this week, The Malthouse closed temporarily after spending the past year in administration and other landlords have spoken of the struggle to re-ignite the spark which made the area so popular.

The Malthouse started the good food revolution in the World Heritage Site, but closed after a party on Saturday.

But the close is only temporary, as the venue is set to re-open this Friday, focusing on live music and good food.

Ashley Clayton, who has taken over the Punch Taverns lease, said: “It is a hard time to start, but I am confident my family and I can make it a success.

“We have got to offer good value, quality food and drink to help make Ironbridge a success again.”

Another venue which saw a drop in custom over Christmas was The Swan Inn, also in The Wharfage.

Alison Wheeler, general manager, said she was pleased with trade, despite the drop in numbers.

“We were down on last Christmas, but it was still busier than I expected. I am confident that with what we are offering we can see out the credit crunch,” she said.

The Swan Inn was put up for sale last August for £1.995 million, but Mark Dixon of Christie + Co said it had now been withdrawn from the market.

However, some pubs in the area said they were thriving. Mike Hibbert, general manager of The White Hart, said Christmas week had seen a 21 per cent rise in business.

“We were up on last year – 21 per cent on Christmas week and 17 per cent on New Year and I am absolutely delighted,” he said.

“What we did right was offer food that was high on quality, but was lower than our rivals on price.”

Mr Hibbert, who has been at the pub for almost two years, said he knew the secret to beating the crunch.

He said: “There is no doubt the credit crunch is affecting everyone, but we have shown that when there is a great deal out there, people will still come out.”