See inside a historic Telford pub which was saved after Covid and has 'brought Dawley back to life'

The pub on Dawley's High Street began operating again in September last year after more than three years out of action - and has been welcomed back by Dawley folk with open arms.

The near-300-year-old pub, which is based out of a listed building, closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Locals and a campaign group battled to save the pub and members of the community even proposed taking it over.

But eventually the Elephant and Castle was taken over by the Valiant Pub Company and local Spencer Jordan-Pitt was selected to run it.

The Dawley native, who has more than 14 years of experience in the industry and has run several pubs in the West Midlands, said he always thought about running the pub "one day" - when walking past on a daily basis.

Extensive refurbishment works began in mid August to install new flooring and furniture, a bar area, dining area, bar pumps and much more.

And, with a new lick of paint outside too, Dawley regained one of its proudest high-street destinations.

The Elephant & Castle is also dog-friendly and offers several local cask ales, and is often a hive of activity, offering a range of special deals and events.

Each week begins with 'pie night' with a pie and drink available for £11. Meanwhile, 'curry club' on a Wednesday is also popular and offers a curry and drink - also for £11.

Spencer said he has been overwhelmed by the response from residents since re-opening the pub.

"The response since we opened has been incredible, the support we have had from customers has been amazing," boss Spencer said. "It has blown us away.

"We have people more so than we ever anticipated, it has been constant seven days a week, from when we open at 9am to when we close.

"It has been absolutely amazing, it is another level and has brought Dawley to life. We get people travelling from all over Telford, it is not just Dawley.

"I am over the moon with how it is looking. All the hard work has paid off and it is nice to see it being enjoyed.

"We do a variety of things. We open at 9am for breakfast, then we have the main menu, we have a pie night on a Monday, bingo on a Tuesday, 'curry club' on a Wednesday, Thursday is grill club and we do a charity quiz night in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council. We have entertainment once a month on a Friday and then do Sunday lunches as well."

The pub, which dates back to 1730, was listed on the market in 2023 with an asking price of £375,000.

Previous owners oversaw substantial refurbishment works to address structural problems in the building. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, they were unable to open due to financial circumstances - a devastating blow to the community. 

Prior to the pub's listing for sale, a group of regulars from the pub, who kept in touch via a 'virtual pub' throughout the pandemic, called a public meeting to look at ways in which it could be re-opened. One of the options that was proposed was for a community group to take over its running.

Speaking in 2022, organiser of the meeting Pete Jackson said the Elephant & Castle provided "a vital community service". He described the pub as a "meeting place, communication centre and an important lynchpin of community life".  

They launched a campaign with a light show projecting 'Save the Elephant' onto the front of the pub. Moreover, the previous owner also threw his weight behind the campaign himself in a bid to see it returned to use. 

The Elephant & Castle has previously co-hosted the Telford Beer Festival, along with The Crown, and had featured in the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide.

After years of sitting empty and unused, it has been returned to its former glory and for the community to enjoy again. Several upgrades have already been implemented - but there are plans for more in the very near future.

As well as already offering a large function room for hire upstairs, The Elephant & Castle's garden is set to undergo renovation work which is due to be completed ahead of the summer. 

Spencer added: "Once the garden is completed we will open an outdoor bar and kitchen that will have the full range of what we have inside.

"The kitchen will offer a street food menu. We will be doing homemade pizzas, loaded fries, sandwiches, burgers, and whatever else we come up with between now and then."