'From strength to strength': Inside the Shifnal pub constantly evolving to offer something for everyone

With fantastic train routes into the market town, it is clear to see why so many people pop into its main streets for a pint - or two - at each pub in its own secret pub crawl.

Along the way, you will inevitably be pulled into The Crown Inn, located in Broadway.

Formerly bar and grill Seven, owned by Wood's Brewery, the site underwent major renovation when Lee and Louise Roberts took over the pub in August 2021. 

The couple, who are both from Shifnal and have worked in the industry for decades, wanted to create a "traditional” pub that welcomed people of all backgrounds, manager Paul Beckett told the Shropshire Star. 

It now comfortably seats 120 people along with a patio for al fresco drinks and dining. The former black and red aesthetic has been stripped out and replaced to be easier on the eyes, brighter and more spacious. A fireplace in the main seating area has added a layer of warmth to the venue.

Paul, who has been in the industry for more than 20 years, said: “They still wanted that traditional pub with a bit of a modern twist.

“So we've got a real mixed clientele as well - the youngsters show up on Friday and Saturday nights, but then we have a lot of couples in their 30s and 40s who just come out for a few drinks at the end of the night.

“And I think they wanted to please everyone.”

The drinks and food menu reflects just that: there is something for everyone at The Crown Inn.

The pub stocks a range of locally sourced beers and ales as well as some more popular drinks such as Hawkstone Lager and Alpacalypse.

Customers can find drinks from HAMA Rum, a Shifnal-based company, as well as gins from Shropshire firm Tiger Gin, at the pub, too.

Meanwhile, the food operation at The Crown Inn is just getting started. With a new chef in the kitchen, the pub is exploring how it can expand its food offering over the next few months.

At present, the lunchtime menu includes light bites and items for sharing while the evening menu offers larger portions, Paul said.

And with work to transform the “sun-trapped” patio expected to be complete in a few weeks, Paul said The Crown Inn team is excited to welcome customers to try everything on offer - while basking in the glorious spring sun. 

“I think Lee and Louise have achieved a great deal,” Paul said.

“It's still going from strength to strength, and they keep on investing in it. That tells me that it's working.”

And the changes that have continued to evolve the pub have been welcomed by locals, Paul added.

He said: "The support has been really good.

“Especially the staunch kind of locals that are really diehard [for the pub].

“Because there's that many pubs in the town, they do go around and things like that, but they always seem to end up here.

“They like that it changes. The owners have invested in it, they’ve decorated and changed bits.”

Paul added: “We like to pride ourselves on the quality of the things we sell as well. We are always proud of what we serve and the friendly service of the staff.

“It's an inviting atmosphere here, we turn on the fire and make sure it's warm and tidy and clean.”

What also keeps customers coming back is the plethora of social events hosted by The Crown Inn, from live music on the first Friday of every month to various events throughout the summer.

The pub also shows live sports, so customers can enjoy a few drinks without missing any of the action. 

Find out more about The Crown Inn via the business' official social media channels.