The Old Swan, Bridgnorth

Fine-looking old inn when viewed from the street, claiming to date from 1392, so the heavily refurbished interior comes as something of a surprise. The front section remains most in keeping, but as you progress through the bar to the raised rear seating area the furniture becomes more modern and the decor less upmarket. Two beers available on handpump: Doom Bar and a decent Rudgate Hoppy Go Lucky (£3.20). Overall, a slightly of mixture of a place.

Swan Hotel page at the Charnwood Pub Co site - www.charnwoodpubco.co.uk

Swan Hotel page at the Charnwood Pub Co site - www.charnwoodpubco.co.uk

Imposing half timbered building with the expected black beams and low ceiling, other than that a not entirely tasteful renovation, not particularly sympathetic but not as nasty as some. Entered via a side “coaching inn” style archway the front seating area has a choice of high posing tables and stools or low tables with benches and chairs. This area has white plastered walls and quite a few old photos. The counter is in a central quarry tiled section with a raised seating area or two to the side but otherwise vertical drinking only. I could have had a Shropshire Lad or a Shropshire Lass but played it straight and had the Lass. The condition of the beer was fine. There was another local ale whose name eludes me, an Adnams and the usual kegs Beyond the barcounter is another raised area with more tables and chairs plus a big screen. Hard to judge the atmosphere on an early lunchtime visit but the previous night it appeared full with 18-30s. The fashionable grey tongue and groove, twigs and the general furnishings seemed to confirm that was the target trade.