Admiral Benbow, Shrewsbury

One of the best options in town for Real Ales but that cannot disguise the fact that the pub itself is fairly plain and quite dull. The main bar is divided into 2 areas with a slight nautical theme. One side of the main bar has a wine bar feel with candle lit tables that seem wasted without a few romancing couples glancing into each others eyes. The other side is a bit more pubish but on the whole there isn’t really much that catches the eye. A glazed corridor leads to a small rear back room containing a dart board with its own serving hatch to the main bar. The beer garden is a pleasant bonus but the main draw is the ales, all sourced from local(ish) breweries. Shropshire Pride, HPA, Ludlow Gold, Gertie Sweet, Old Recumbant and the pubs own Benbow ale, certainly a few unusual beers worth exploring. In addition there were 2 Yarlington ciders (7.5% and 7.8%). The pub was alarmingly empty on my visit (in contrast to the Coach & Horses a few doors down that had a healthy bustle) but a visit is worthwhile for the beers alone. Just don’t expect a pub brimming with atmosphere or ambience.

Decent pub , large selection of real ales and a couple of ciders , very popular but does lack a bit of atmosphere

Nice brick exterior, though the inside is a little threadbare. The memorabilia is naval in theme, which suits the pub - Benbow being an admiral who died during the War of the Spanish Succession, against the French, in 1702. The pub gives friendly service and a big choice of everything from real ales to bottled lagers (didn't see any French ones!) I had the Old Castle Dark MILD, which was quality and the Shropshire Stout, which wasn't so nice. Great pub, always to be visited when in Shrewsbury, especially with the Coach & Horses next door.

Average just about covers it. Nice comfortable bar/lounge with indifferent Banks's/Marstons beers. About the best beer on sale is Guinness - nuff said. Recently seems to have changed hands as they had Tetleys on yesterday (15th July 2008) - never mind! Good atmosphere when crowded, which isn't very often. Garden at rear. Large municipal car park nearby.

Please don't mention this place as you'll get me all excited. Very near the town centre so forget about parking. Very good selection of local real ales - does real cider & perry too. Perry - that's what the ignorant call Pear Cider. Cider comes from apples, Perry from pears & ale from heaven. Can't remember ever seeing any lager (from Hell - in Switzerland they even call it Hell bier) in the place - wow! Has an entry in CAMRA Good Beer Guide.