Shifnal pub back in business

When scores of pubs around the country are closing each week, a Shropshire couple are bucking the trend by opening one.

The Plough Inn on Broadway, Shifnal, was last open as a pub in 1996 and has since been known as D'arcy's, a popular eatery.

After it closed in August, Pete and Lana Giles, from Priorslee in Telford, decided to take over the lease and turn the Plough back into a pub.

Pete and Lana first began running pubs four years ago when they bought the Wheatsheaf, in Shifnal, but the Plough has allowed them to run a pub free of brewery ties.

Mr Giles, 51, said: "Opening a pub is something I wanted to do from when I was 16. We really want to make this a place for the community. We hope they take it to their hearts.

"With around 50 pubs a week closing across the UK, it's satisfying to be reopening one."

The couple plan to use the Plough to support local brewers by specialising in local ales, selecting beers from Bishop's Castle and Madeley.

Regular customer John Cross said: "I'm very impressed. They have a good choice of beers, the place is pleasant and has a good atmosphere."

Shifnal town councillor Brian Jones said: "I used to come here when it was the Plough originally and I think it's better than before. I'm a traditionalist and I hate to see the loss of historic features. This re-establishment is a delight."

The couple run the pub with their daughter Claire, 27, and her husband James, 35.