Shrewsbury Arms, Wolverhampton

An over-decorated large pub/restaurant on the main road through Albrighton, entered through a car park at the back. The pub is carpeted throughout and comprises a conjoined set of small rooms, giving it something of a rambling feel. The bar rooms all had tables to supplement the restaurant space and provide more private dining areas, while there were sufficient barstools in the main bar area. The various eclectic artefacts scattered around, along with the exposed beams, made it feel a bit theme-parkish, a feeling reinforced by the perfunctory attitude of the almost-uniformed staff. The clientele were a mixed bag, ranging from large groups of loud diners to small groups of loud women. The WiFI was difficult to log onto, while the jukebox seemed to be stuck on a particularly irritating dirge. There were 3 ales on: I had a pint of Joule's Slumbering Monk, which was past its best but still drinkable. Despite its potential charm, I couldn't warm to this place.

This is a detached pub with rear entrance and a large patio area. It has a large main building in Jacobean style brick and timber frame, with a large chimney feature - there is also a large low level extension in yellow painted brick, with sympathetic windows. The interior is open plan and really all given over to dining except for a few copper tables by the serving bar. The decor has red and olive green, mixed with white and cream. There is a mix of wood and stone flooring. There are fakey tapestries and flickering candle lights to give the period feel, as well as fakey stone work on the fireplaces. A Tetley's mirror and a sword are in the small drinking area! Tudor-style arches help keep the period feel as do the wall and ceiling beams. There was no TV that i saw and the music was easy and at a quietish level. I didn't eat here so can't comment on that. The service was fine and the clientele mixed, but nearly all dining. It is a bit of fun, but not too much and so much better than a generic pubco interior. Beer; usual tap stuff with Peroni. On handpull there was Joule's Pale Ale, Calcutta (decent) and Sharpe's Doombar. Nice to see the place open and despite the over-riding foody feel, it has decent real ale. Next visit would be to eat, i think.

Good News! the pub has been bought by a local restaurateur, and is being comprehensively refitted. Watch this space.