Inside new pub that's taken over site of former BBQ restaurant near Shrewsbury

Located next to the A458 at Ford, just west of Shrewsbury, the building has since been bought and refurbished inside and out and re-opened on Saturday, June 1 under direction from new boss Amy Brookes.

The most notable change is the new colour, with charcoal grey being replaced with cream.

At present only drinks are being served, but to celebrate the kitchen opening on July 1, the pub is throwing a party five days later.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event on Saturday, July 6, where there will be music and free food tasters.

The pub will begin serving 'traditional pub food with a modern twist' from its new menu at the beginning of next month, and boss Amy has been overwhelmed with the support they have received so far.

She said: "It’s been crazy.

"The amount of support we got on opening day was mad.

"We can’t wait for the kitchen to open because at the moment we are drinks only. Once it opens we will be really busy.

"We’ve got two really good chefs and they’ve created the menu together.

"It’s quite small to begin with while they get up and running and then we’re going to add to it."

The Gates at Ford's refurbishment features a new games room with a darts board, and the pub has began hosting quiz nights.

Amy also runs the Plough at Pontesbury, but is enjoying her new venture, and has stressed the importance of serving food to stay busy.

"I just wanted a challenge because the Plough is drinks only," said the pub boss.

"Food is the way forward I think. Especially with pubs starting to struggle, you have got to do food or something to get people through the door.

"Ford is a massive village, I don’t think people realise how big it is, but people have been coming in and supporting us already which is great to see."