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.
retiredmartin 