Historic Shropshire inn reopening after £40,000 revamp

The Fox Inn in Much Wenlock was shut in the autumn amid allegations that payments were owed to staff and suppliers.

Now it is being given a new lease of life by its owners who are on the hunt for a permanent tenant manager to run the enterprise after the previous tenant left.

Property company Falcon Investments Ltd has finished refurbishing the premises on the corner of the High Street ahead of its opening next weekend with an interim management team at the helm.

The facelift has included a revamp of the bar, restaurant and kitchen, furnishings and toilets.

New electrics have also been installed and the building has been painted and decorated.

In a statement the owners said: “Falcon Investments Ltd based in London has spent a large amount of money bringing the building both inside and out back to its former glory including a completely newly designed bar and restaurant.

“The previous tenants had been struggling to pay rent for some time and have let a lot of people down, owing tens of thousands of pounds to various traders, utilities and local suppliers, we have had butchers, greengrocers, wine and beer suppliers calling or coming in to express their concerns.

"Commercial management agency Sidney Phillips are seeking to secure new tenants on a long term free of tie lease. There is no tie to a brewery which means the new tenant will be able to source supplies themselves.

"We are doing the job right and we'll be opening the doors on Friday. The restaurant will open a week later on March 22, serving good food."

The former 16th century coaching inn will be opening for drinks only at 6pm on March 15.