Shropshire country pub re-opening on Saturday - after closing a month ago

A popular Shropshire country pub is re-opening - a month after it closed.

The Haughmond in Upton Magna will be opening its doors again on Saturday, after Halls Commercial has secured a new tenant for the pub.

The remarkable turnaround comes after the pub, located near Shrewsbury, announced the closure, due to rising hospitality costs, on social media on May 25.

But this Saturday the pub will be welcoming customers with a full menu, a local singer from 2pm to 4pm, and a bouncy castle for children.

The pub will also be launching Sunday roasts and summer salads this weekend.

James Evans, head of Shrewsbury-based Halls Commercial, said they had achieved a letting very quickly on behalf of the property owner, securing the new tenant, Cathy Haddock.

Revealing her plans for the pub, Cathy said: "We are hoping to bring The Haughmond back to its roots and become a popular, community-driven pub for local people, families, weddings and groups, including cyclists, walkers, anglers and shooting parties.

“We will be offering a more traditional country pub menu at affordable prices, with a traditional Sunday roast menu, weekly pie night, curry night, steak night and breakfasts Monday to Saturday.

“We will also be reopening the cafe/shop over the next few weeks as this has been a massive part of the community in the past.”

Mr Evans said he was delighted that a tenant for The Haughmond was found so quickly.

“When news of the closure emerged, there was understandable concern about the future of the pub,” he said.

“To have secured a new tenant and completed a deal within just 10 days is an exceptional result and sends a very positive message about the market against the national backlash of negativity.

“The speed of the letting comes at a time when much of the hospitality industry conversation has focused on the challenges facing pubs, restaurants and hotels.

“The successful agreement for The Haughmond highlights that, while operators continue to face economic pressures, there remains significant appetite from experienced businesses seeking the right opportunities.”