Heaven for 11 Shropshire pubs as they go into prestigious guide

The prestigious book, which is published every year, aims to acknowledge the best pubs for food and drink across the UK.

Once again included in the entries this year is The Fox, in Chetwynd Aston, near Newport, which has held on to its title of Shropshire Dining Pub of the Year.

The guide heaps praise on The Fox, calling it a "civilised dining pub with generous helpings of well liked good and a fine array of drinks served by ever-attentive staff".

Assistant manager Victoria Landon said: "We must be doing something that people like.

"There's a lot of competition and people are thinking a lot more about how they are spending their money now.

"You have to be on the top of your game all of the time."

Miss Landon said the publicity in the book helps to attract new customers.

"We do get a lot of people coming in saying they've seen us in the guide," she said.

"It's the oracle of pubs to a lot of people."

The Castle Hotel, in Market Square, Bishop's Castle, made it into the guide for the fourth year running.

Owner Henry Hunter said: "I am very happy to have once again been named in the guide, it's pleasing that we continue to be recognised by such a prestigious book.

"Being in the guide is in people's consciousness and it reassures visitors that we are on top of our game along with the very best pubs in the country.

"I think we have made it in because we sell great local beer from Bishop's Castle and because we have a good relaxed atmosphere which a great garden which really attracts people."

Also praised in the book is the Hundred House on Bridgnorth Road, Norton.

The smart inn has open fires and has been run by the same family for 26 years.

The guide admires the pub's "rambling rooms" with "handsome fireplaces".

Stuart Phillips, managing partner at the Hundred House, said: "We are a restaurant but we like to consider ourselves a pub as well so people can drop in on the fly. We believe in promoting local breweries. We use Ironbridge brewery and Bishop's Castle.

"It's a good guide to be in and you do pick up business because of it."

James Scott landlord and licensee at The George & Dragon Inn in Much Wenlock said he was "delighted" to be included in the guide for the fifth year running.

He said: "When I took over the pub it had just lost its place in the pub so we fought very hard to win that back so I'm very pleased to say we have now made it in five years in a row.

"All we do is try our best and keep things to a high standard because we know word of mouth is the best promotion. Just today we had a customer pop in who said they saw us in the guide so thought they would come in. It's amazing how many people it attracts."

The Navigation Inn, in Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry, has also earned a place in the guide for a second year.

The book praises the "splendid hosts" as well as the food and beer on offer.

Co-owner Mark Baggett said: "It's very pleasing because all of the reviews are from customers. A lot of people use the guide if they are driving to North Wales. Some people tell us they will only stop in places which have been recommended."

The guide says a good choice of well kept real ales can be found at the Old Castle, in West Castle Street, Bridgnorth, The White Horse, in The Square, in Clun and The Church Inn, in Buttercross, Ludlow.

Manager of The Church Inn, Cameron Johnson said: "It's very pleasing to see us in the guide again. It's always good for business. There's always a good atmosphere here."

The Old Castle, in West Castle Street, Bridgnorth, is highlighted by the guide for its "sunny back terrace" and "lovely hanging baskets".

It is run by Bryan Masterman and Kerry Senior, who have been in charge since 2006.

Mr Masterman said: "It's really pleasing to be in the book. I'm absolutely delighted.

"We are all about good pub food and quality drinks."

Hannah Limond, owner of The White Horse, added: "We are ecstatic to be included. We sell good beer and good food. We get a lot of tourists visiting who have seen us in the guide."

Other pubs featured include The Woodbridge Inn, on Coalport, The Golden Ball Inn, in Ironbridge and the Armoury, in Victoria Avenue, Shrewsbury.