Callow Inn near Minsterley transformed into Abel's Harp
With the pub trade in the doldrums, many premises are looking for new ways to diversify – and that's just the plan at one rural Shropshire alehouse.
The unusual £350,000 project of the old Callow Inn, near Minsterley, has seen it transformed by new owners David White, a former London investment banker, and his partner Anna Roberts to become Abel's Harp.
The couple plan to use the old pub – which was mentioned in the books of Mary Webb and has been on the site for more than a century – as a restaurant, guest house, coffee house, wedding venue, book club, village shop when cold weather arrives, petting zoo and, naturally, a pub.
Separate coffee shop, bar and dining areas have been set up in different parts of the picturesque hillside inn.
Miss Roberts said: "We were looking for hotels and restaurants, and thought we really wanted space as there's so much you can do with it.
"We are the only thing around, so if people need anything doing we can make it happen for them. We've had farmers and builders wanting breakfasts, and we've opened for them, and we want to apply for a civil ceremonies licence for smaller weddings."
Steve West, business banking manager for Barclays, which backed the venture, said: "Investment in the new premises demonstrates both Barclays Business and the new owner's confidence in the potential growth and success of the business."
The inn has employed a number of people from Minsterley, and will be training them to work throughout the business, including on an evolving menu being put together by the owners.
