Shropshire ride-through pub proves mane attraction for horse riders
Everyone has heard of a drive-through – but not many people have heard of a ride-through. That is exactly what one Shropshire pub has created for horse riders.
The Brewery Inn in Coalport near Ironbridge has opened its very own equestrian facilities, thought to be first of its kind in the country.
Now horses are able to be hacked to the pub and tied up at specially installed rings.
Following the death of landlord Roger Hotchkiss, the new facilities were installed in his memory.
Roger said he always wanted to make the pub horse-friendly, so it was a new project his daughter and landlady Fiona Hotchkiss were keen to pursue.
Miss Hotchkiss, said: "Horse riders can stop for refreshments and tie up their horses using tie rings provided.
"The pub provides a huge tub of fresh water and there's even a mounting block for riders to get on and off their horses.
"We launched these facilities in April and they have been used ever since by local riders. Within two days of the Facebook launch of the post showing our new facilities, we had more than 25,000 views and more since, which has amazed us, as this is clearly of interest to many.
"We are the first pub in Shropshire – and we believe the UK to offer such facilities – on April 24 it saw the local Telford horse riding and access group use this as a pit stop on their Ironbridge ride.
"Many riders are grateful for the use of the toilets, a cold drink and water for their horses.
"We are on side of the Silkin Way in the Ironbridge Gorge and see lots of horse riders, dog walkers and cyclists and its nice as we are in a rural location to cater for everyone.
"We are hoping other pubs will see this and start to cater for horses and riders too."
