Shrewsbury pub with 'rustic charm' reopens after 18 months - and landlord says customers are 'loving it'

• Sign up for our FREE weekly Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every Friday. Sign up here: shropshirestar.com/newsletters

A walk through shows the 500-year-old former coaching house as a clean, welcoming hostelry, which retains much of its rustic charm.

Nick, who has also run Cromwell’s Tap House in Dogpole for the last three years, officially took The Coach and Horses over in mid-November this year, and has quickly been able to get it open for business in time for the busy Christmas season.

“What a magnificent building it is,” he said. “We’ve been open now just over two weeks, trying to bring some love back into an old, classic pub.

“We’ve changed quite a lot inside but tried to be humble, warm and atmospheric, in keeping with the fact it's a 500-year-old coaching house.

“We’re open seven days a week from 12pm, serving food as well. We can’t wait to see you all. Head on down and come and see us.”

The pub has had a completely new kitchen installed, new carpets and flooring and a log burner.

A new sign has been put up outside, but many of the old features inside have been retained and tidied up. The brass has been polished and many of the old photos on the wall still remain.

Nick describes the food menu as “British classics with a twist”. It includes many pub favourites like fish and chips, pies, steak and burgers, as well as sandwiches and desserts. They also have a Sunday roast menu.

Asked how the newly reopened pub has gone down with customers, Nick said: “They’re loving it. People are walking in and it’s like a trip down memory lane for them. They can see it’s a proper pub again.”

Nick began his hospitality career at 13, working in the now closed Lord Hill Hotel, before going to university and then running a pub in Llandrinio.

He briefly left the trade to run his own driving school, before returning to run Cromwell’s and now The Coach and Horses.

'Something different'

Asked how he has found the hospitality trade in recent years with the much-maligned financial obstacles, he said: “It is a challenge, but we’re trying to offer something different.

“We’re consistently changing ales and that keeps people on their toes. 

“At Cromwell’s we do different themed events. Last year we had a sausage and cider festival and a Mexican event. We’re looking to do that with The Coach and Horses in the new year in the restaurant area.

“It’s going to be about good beer, good food and good people. That’s what it’s there for.

“We’ve got some friendly neighbours in terms of house and the people at the Admiral Benbow. It’s a nice feeling around here. People have been coming in to ask questions while we were getting ready.

“People have wanted to see this pub open and see it being successful.”