'A nice traditional pub - like how they used to be': Meet the new couple in charge of this Bridgnorth pub

The new couple running one of Bridgnorth’s most beloved pubs are “chomping at the bit” to reopen and serve the local community.

Mike Williams and Kirstie Law, who live in Bridgnorth, are the new publicans of the Shakespeare Inn in West Castle Street.

The pub is set to reopen under their stewardship on Friday (October 23) at 6pm.

Established in 1792, the pub was carefully restored in 2018 by owner Joule’s Brewery of Market Drayton.

Mike, from Worcester, and Kirstie, from South Wales, have both been involved in the pub industry for most of their lives.

Kirstie worked in pub roles for most of her 20s before becoming a teacher. Mike began working in hotels when he was a teenager but moved on to running pubs when he was in his early 20s.

In recent years, Mike was the man in charge of the King’s Arms in Church Stretton from 2017 until 2023 - the pub is also owned by Joule’s.

Asked about what drew them to the Bridgnorth pub, Kirstie said it was a mixture of the town’s history and community which got the couple interested.

She said: “Bridgnorth is a very traditional town - I love the history of the place.

“It is a very good tourist spot, but there is also a uniqueness about it. The pub just fits. It looks the part, it feels the part, it is just a really nice traditional pub, like how they used to be: strong community and all that.”

The couple said they were both excited to welcome back locals.

“It would be nice to bring it back to what it was,” said Mike.

Kirstie added: “It needs people bringing back to it - it has not had a good food offer. So we are looking forward to bringing life back to it and offering home-cooked, traditional, hearty pub food.”

The pub will be drink-only for the first week or so whilst Mike and Kirstie finish off work in the site’s kitchen.

Once finished, the couple will offer a full menu packed with pub classics, they said.

Kirstie also has plans to introduce the Shakespeare Sessions, where acoustic musicians perform at the pub during the day, adding to Bridgnorth’s rich musical scene.

Asked for their pitch to the people of Bridgnorth, Kirstie said: “I think the main thing is it is going to remain a traditional pub where you can get a good pint.”

She added: “It is also a place where you can come for a chat.

“You can come and you can talk to people and you can get a good meal whilst you are there.”