The Coach & Horses, Shrewsbury

This was one of the Shrewsbury pubs that had been highly recommended to me and it is not hard to see why. The smallish main bar is a cosy affair with a brick inglenook fireplace and an extremely inviting open fire, especially on the wet night of our visit. A screened snug bar with its large Bass mirror is one of the remnants of its Victorian features. The people came over as very accommodating and it didn't take long for us to be chatting about the beers, the fortunes of Shrewsbury Town FC and the topical subject of the time, the rising flood waters. To the rear is a larger lounge bar and restaurant with plenty exposed brickwork and a few more welcoming fireplaces. An upstairs patio caters for the smoking contingent. An excellent selection of locally sourced ales including local microbreweries served by (on my visit) welcoming and knowledgeable staff. The 7 ales noted were Salopian Darwin Original, Shropshire Gold & Firkin Freezing, Three Tuns XXX, Oxford Pride, Wye Valley HBA and a Cheddar Valley cider of indeterminate strength (there was a big ? on the board next to its ABV but they assured me it was at least 6% - subsequent research reveals they were spot on). Not all the clips are shown in each bar so it is worth checking the boards for the full list of what's on. Regular curry and quiz nights are held and there is live acoustic music Sunday nights. The C&H needs no hype, pretentions or fancy gimmicks - it simply sells itself as a well run, welcoming pub and should be near the top of any Shrewsbury visiters list

Love this pub , one of the best in town , a must do even though its not a patch on what it was 5 years ago

A great back street corner pub, in spitting distance from the Benbow. Lovely wood interior, with several rooms - with as much space given over to the eatery, as the pub. Staff were friendly. Several real ales; i myself having the Slaters Monkey Magic MILD and the White Horse Brewery's Black Beauty MILD, both of which were excellent. A must, like the 3 Fishes and the Benbow, for every trip

Lovely rambling pub near town centre. No parking nearby. Several rooms, good choice of real ales that are well kept & served. Does food but I'll not comment as I've not eaten here. Good alternative to the Benbow which is just down the road. A place you can take your lady & still have a good beer. One problem - the loo is on the top floor up loads of rickety steps. Good lively atmosphere. Definitely one to visit.