Historic Shropshire pub where famous faces have enjoyed a pint wants to stay open until 4.30am

An Oswestry pub wants to remain open for much longer.

The Boars Head has stood proudly on Willow Street for more than a century, and has welcomed a host of well-known names, including singers Carol Decker and Roy Wood, and actor Dean Gaffney.

Since 2021, the premises has reverted back to being a traditional pub after previously serving as a late-night weekend venue.

It is currently owned by Admiral Taverns, which has big plans for the historic venue. A planning application to make significant alterations and improvements to the pub is currently being considered by Shropshire Council.

The proposal includes a new bar servery to the main trade area, a new backfitting to the snug area, upgrading of the toilets, replacing the carpets and curtains, and having a new plinth to the existing dining areas.

New TV screens, a darts wall, fire/grate, and drinks shelves are also part of the plans, as well as new vinyl flooring, timber finishes, and the replacement of timber fascia/decorative mouldings.

Meanwhile, outside there would be new gates, lighting, TVs, seating, and a stage area/pergola.

It is also proposed to use one of the three outbuildings as an outdoor bar to include a new counter, bar servery, and double doors. The other two buildings will remain as they are.

Now, an application has been lodged to vary the pub's licence.

According to the Campaign for Real Ale, the Boars Head is currently open from 10am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, and on Sundays, 10am to 1am on Fridays , and 11am to 1am on Saturdays.

However, bosses want to extend the hours.

The application submitted to Shropshire Council is seeking the hours to be from 9am to 3.30am Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9am to 1.30am on Sundays.

A new plan of the premises following the refurbishment has been submitted as part of the application, with four conditions being asked to be removed in respect to the crime and disorder section of the current licence.

It states that there will be a 30 minute drinking up period, with alcohol being consumed both on and off the premises.

Any representations must be made by Tuesday (October 27).