FIVE WHITCHURCH (SALOP) WONDERS – (iii) THE OLD TOWN HALL VAULTS

July 2026. Whitchurch. Shropshire.

I picked up that Whitchurch pub trail leaflet at the Heritage Centre, thinking I could send it to Stafford’s Paul Mudge for his collection.

One thing though; it seems to bear no relation to the actual pubs. And not just because of daft name changes.

No Wheatsheaf, no Old Eagles, and no Old Town Hall Vaults.

Which means that leaflet predates Joule’s re-opening of the pub in 2013.

This is the chance for a non-alcoholic break, I think, and ask the friendly barmaid what sober delights are in the fridge. Sadly, just big brand lager and stout.

“Um, I’ll have a Slumbering Monk then“. Ordering the strong one because the weak one is boring; that makes no sense.

A cool enough half (guilty), rich and fruity, probably not enough turnover on a quiet midweek afternoon.

But it’s pleasant, with Lionel Richie your Summer of ’83 soundtrack and bench seating around barrels. OK, perhaps not the beer barrels.

Paul would have views on the fittings, particularly the unnececcsary signage, which extends to the listed privy.

8/10 for the listed loo, 0/10 for the absolutely pointless sign.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

10 thoughts on “FIVE WHITCHURCH (SALOP) WONDERS – (iii) THE OLD TOWN HALL VAULTS”

      1. Slumbering Monk appears to be exactly the same strength as Bass: 4.4%. I’ve never heard anyone referring to Bass as “the strong one”.

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      5. Don’t overdo it, Martin.

        Just tell all your readers to take out a CAMRA membership and join Discourse. It’ll be worth every penny just to read about the pubs I went to on holiday with my brother in Belgium.

        CAMRA membership will double overnight

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