The Tardis-like town pub that looks small on the outside but is much bigger once you step in

The Anvil in Shifnal is a good example of that, looking small to anyone walking up but, in the words of licensee Eloise Sutton, being 'a bit of a Tardis' as the doors open up to reveal large areas for a bar, lounge and beer garden.

The pub has been a feature of the east Shropshire town since the 1800s, fitting in with the terraced housing on Aston Road.

It has undergone changes over the years, with the most recent change seeing an extensive refurbishment by Black Country Ales in 2018, a refurbishment which featured the addition of a sheltered courtyard, astro-turf and the inclusion of modern toilet facilities, including a disabled toilet.

It has been run since October 2018 by Tom and Eloise Sutton, who said that the attraction to running the pub had come from it being a Black Country Ales pub, as well as her husband being from nearby Albrighton.

She says: "We'd wanted to work for Black Country Ales, having previously worked for Marstons prior to coming here in a pub near Wolverhampton, as we know all about them being a fantastic company to work for.

"Tom's family are originally from Albrighton, so there was that local link, and when we heard that this pub was up for offer, we applied and went from there and I've always been pleased with that as it's a lovely part of the world."

The pub interior has been traditionally brought up to date with clean lines and homely upholstery since the refurbishment, while the original fireplace has been retained and features log and coal fires on cold winter nights.

Ms Sutton says the community had been very welcoming when they arrived at the pub and had also been very receptive to the pub being owned by Black Country Ales.

She said: "We weren't sure how the community was going to react to Black Country Ales taking over and revamping the Anvil as we didn't know how fond everyone was of it in the community.

"However, everyone responded to it really well and was appreciative of the fact that it had been taken on completely redone, with many saying it was unrecognisable from before it was taken over.

"They all took to it and have supported it really well."

Ms Sutton also spoke about the unique selling point of the size of the pub, saying that it looked small, but left people astonished at the depth of it once they came in and said it was one of the many things that made it a traditional pub with a community feeling.

She said: "When you come into the pub, it's cosy and warm and friendly and has a lovely atmosphere in here, as well as low beams to get it in line with the history and an open fire, which attracts people in the winter.

"We are a very traditional pub and you get that feeling when you walk in that this is the definition of a traditional pub."

Being a Black Country Ales pub, there are the three standard ales on handpull, Black Country Bradley's Finest Golden, Fireside and Pig on the Wall, as well as a number of guest ales and a selection of bar snacks, including pork pies, scotch eggs and cobs.

Ms Sutton says she and her husband have enjoyed their time at the Anvil working for Black Country Ales, who they said looked after their licensees and cared about the customers, and said the Anvil was a special place because of those customers.

"Black Country Ales are the biggest standout for us as they really take care of us and, for them, it's not about getting as much stuff as quickly as possible, it's about the pubs being an asset to their community.

"The customers are what make this place as we've got a great customer base who create a lovely atmosphere and have always made us feel welcome here."