Peter Kitchen: Tucking in to Shrewsbury treats

Don't get me wrong, it is not all good for me. I've been trying to keep my better half out of Shoe Zone for months and I dare not let her set foot in the Tesco Extra at Harlescott on her own for fear of needing to take out a second mortgage.

The reason I'm boring you with the dynamics of life at Chateau Kitchen (or Pantry Hall as our sub editors aptly call it) is that a lot of it is determined by the shops and supermarkets on the doorstep. Living in the north of Shrewsbury, that has changed somewhat in recent years.

I'll never forget my first thought when it was announced The Range was opening a store on Sundorne Retail Park: "Sherree will be delighted."

And she was. She loves The Range.

We're both happy that three restaurants – KFC, Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito's – are opening next to the Tesco Extra supermarket, although I fear my cholesterol levels may shoot through the roof.

There's no doubting the area surrounding the Harlescott crossroads has changed beyond recognition in the past decade. Tesco Extra, B&Q and Lidl now dominate the scene and the latest developments suggest this pace of development will not slow down, even if the recession did claim the likes of MFI and the Homebase store.

But as much as I love having so much on my doorstep – and this is where my stomach comes in – there is a certain lure about the unique offerings of the town centre that still appeal.

I love having a soup at Poppy's Tudor Tea Rooms, an ale at the Admiral Benbow or a baguette at the Dun Cow.

During these busy times, especially now we are parents, such excursions feel like a rare treat.

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But while one area of the town appears to be on the up, just a short drive away it is a very different story.

Staff and regulars at the Anchor on Harlescott Grange are today set to learn whether they will be able to keep their pub.

Plans have been put forward to build homes and flats on the site – meaning the pub would be demolished.

It has served the area for more than 50 years – and its new landlords say the first they knew of the plans were when planning notices went up a few weeks ago.

Planning officers have said the pub is "not viable" – despite regulars insisting it is a vital part of community life.

It baffles me how a pub surrounded by houses on a close-knit estate can be deemed dispensable, while a new one with no immediate catchment is being built as part of the restaurants development at Harlescott.

So many pubs have been forced to close in recent years – I hope this doesn't mean the end for the Anchor.