Hopes high as Oswestry's oldest pub reopens again

The Bell Inn, once one of the town's busiest pubs has had a turbulent few years with different landlords and long periods of being shut.

Many believed last orders had been called at the pub, however Star Pubs and Bars which owns the establishment has confirmed the doors are back open.

It reopened in the last week of March, and a major investment plan is in the pipeline for the pub.

A spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to say that the Bell Inn, Oswestry reopened on Friday, March 29, with new licensees at the helm who are looking forward to reinvigorating the pub in the months ahead, with a view to potentially taking it on for the longer term.

Fresh

“We are also developing plans for a major investment programme for the Bell Inn to create a fresh and exciting pub and a permanent operator will be part of that process.”

The pub closed in January 2018 when the landlady left and the company that owned the pub struggled to find new landlords.

Star Pubs and Bars said in March it was actively looking for people to take on the lease, and now it has found someone.

A new leaseholder did come in in October, with Steve Banks and Dean Edge taking over.

However, the doors were soon shut again, until the latest landlord has stepped in.

The pub was previously run by former Shrewsbury Town footballer Carleton Leonard, before a refurbishment turned it into a pub/restaurant.