The Bridges (The Horseshoe Inn), Shrewsbury

The Bridges has a real remote feel to it and is nestled next to a fast-flowing stream. The interior is long and thin, with a dining area to the left as you enter and a slightly smaller area with a roaring fire and a sofa to the right as you enter. Toilets are behind the bar. An outdoor drinking area is available for those who have walked here and have muddy boots! The pub is owned and run by Three Tuns. Having managed to visit the town of Bishop's Castle and having visited the Three Tuns Inn itself, without having sampled any of their beers, I thought it only fair to have one before departing the county. The 4 on offer were Cleric's Cure, Solstice, XXX & Bitter. My Solstice was in decent condition, but wasn't really my kind of beer. Welcoming place in a wonderful location.

Much as described by Ray and Will, though my visit actually occurred in October 2016.Busy on a Thursday late lunchtime with walkers and birdwatchers.Reasonably priced hearty food. Beers, as mentioned, from Three Tuns. My stout was outstanding, the paler beers less so.Well worth a visit.

This is now one of the outlets for the produce of Three Tuns Brewery in Bishops Castle (the others being the Three Tuns Inn itself, now under separate ownership, and the Sun in Clun). On recent visits I've found the beer quality here to be superior to the Sun, with more of the range of beers available at any one time too. The pub was busy on both of my recent visits, with a wedding party on the Saturday and large numbers of families with children and dogs on the following Friday afternoon and early evening. Staff coped efficiently and with good humour with both sets of customers. My sole quibble is that there is very little space near the bar for drinkers, but this is a complaint that would apply to most country pubs these days. Dates of visits: 29th July & 4th August 2017