The Old Post Office, Shrewsbury

This is an attractive old building not immediately visible from the road, but set back up a small alleyway that leads in to a courtyard that doubles up as a beer garden. This extends around the side of the pub offering a choice of several tables. Somewhat surprisingly the building was never a Post Office, instead the name refers to the posting of coach horses, whatever that is, according to a blackboard next to the bar. Unfortunately the interior has clearly been the subject of a corporate makeover at some point, and now has the kind of bland, mass produced look that afflicts fat to many pubs. Only a couple of old wooden support posts hint at what was probably a much more attractive pub at one time. The pub is all one room, although divided in to a couple of different areas. The rear part is up a couple of steps and seems more geared up for diners, whilst there is a small snug at the front of the pub with a wood strip floor and a couple of leather sofa’s, along with a small fire-place, wood burning stove and a plasma. I didn’t check the menu, although noticed a few posters advertising a “2 for £10” deal. Beers on tap were Marston’s Pedigree, Marston’s EPA and Hobgoblin. There was also a pump for a Banks beer, but this appeared to have run out. Ciders were Strongbow and Thatcher’s Gold.

Found on our quick visit to Shrewsbury, fantastic place, great food and drink, friendly staff and atmosphere, would highly recommend.

I remember this pub back in the 1960s. A beautiful late Victorian/Edwardian pub full of leather covered seats,booths,engraved glass windows and mirrors.All you wanted was a foggy night and someone playing an old joanna and you would be looking for a jack the ripper type. Anyway all this disappeared when the pub was modernised ( corporate vandalism I call it). It has undergone changes since but nothing matched the interior I remember. Its a pleasant enough place for a drink and a bite.The courtyard entrance no doubt fooling the tourists that the interior is original. Its sad that Shrewsbury lost so many wonderful pub interiors to modernisation.

Official site of the Old Post Office, includes menu and events listings - www.oldpostofficepub.co.uk

Official site of the Old Post Office, includes menu and events listings - www.oldpostofficepub.co.uk