'It has been an absolute honour and privilege' - Landlords' emotional goodbye as popular Shifnal pub closes

Longstanding landlords at a popular town pub have waved an emotional goodbye after nearly 15 years at the venue.

Peter and Lana Giles, who run the Plough Inn on Broadway in Shifnal, have confirmed they have closed the pub - effective immediately - from today - Monday, September 21.

The pair have been in charge at The Plough for nearly 15 years, and were at the Wheatsheaf in the town before that.

In a post on social media they said: “This coming December would have marked 15 years at The Plough, but sadly, with our lease coming to an end, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors of The Plough from today.”

The post explained that due to time constraints they had not been able to secure someone to take over the pub, and they were left with “no realistic option but to make the very difficult decision to close”.

The statement spoke of their pride in being part of the community, and sadness at finishing.

It said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye. We are both at a stage in our lives where we have to put our health and wellbeing first, and with Peter’s health not being good, we know that continuing would ultimately be detrimental to us both.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve you all, not only here at The Plough, but also at The Wheatsheaf, making almost 20 years in the pub trade.

“Twenty years that somehow seem to have passed in the blink of an eye.”

The statement offered thanks to the customers who have supported the venue.

It said: “We want to say a huge thank you to every single one of you for your custom, friendship and support throughout all those years. We have shared some truly wonderful times together. We have celebrated happy occasions, shared laughter and, at times, shared sadness and tears.

“That is the wonderful thing about a pub - it becomes part of people’s lives, and we have been incredibly lucky to have been part of yours.

“Sadly, along the way we have also lost some very treasured customers and friends. May they all rest in peace. They will never be forgotten and will always remain part of the memories we have made.

“We also want to say a massive thank you to all our staff, past and present, who have supported us through thick and thin. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you all, and we genuinely wish every one of you the very best of luck and happiness in whatever adventures life takes you on next.

“Leaving The Plough is incredibly difficult for us, but we leave with so many wonderful memories, friendships and stories that we will treasure forever.

“So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for the memories. And most of all, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for almost 20 years.”