Shifnal pub reopens after big brewery makeover

The Anvil, in Shifnal, was close to being turned into residential housing before Black Country Ales offered to purchase the building and reopen it as a pub.

After being closed for 18 months, a two-and-a-half month renovation has seen the pub renewed inside and out, along with new owners.

Tom Sutton, the new landlord, said: "I love the community here in Shifnal and me and my wife, Eloise, saw this as a great opportunity to give something back and get another drinking establishment back.

"We've been at the pub for just more than a week but we've been involved with the renovation and everything that's been going on here for months.

"The pub has been completely renovated, both inside and out - it's looking good and we're both very excited for the future."

The Anvil has seen more rooms inside the pub open and the toilets, which have always been located outside, brought inside and renewed.

"I think the biggest difference is the sheer amount of space there is in here now," he added.

"We've got a nice outdoor area with laid artificial turf and heated shelter too.

Community

"Our social media has been good, we've had lots of positive feedback from our dry tester run we held so everything is set for a great future.

"We're keen to work with Black Country Ales as they seem very community orientated and we're eager to welcome the people of Shifnal back into the pub."

A change of use application had previously been accepted to use the premises as residential accommodation before a Black Country Ales customer contacted the micro-brewery about the potential for the pub to reopen.

The pub will have three permanent ales on sale from the micro-brewery, BFG, Pig on the Wall and Fireside, and another seven hand-pulls for a changing selection of guest beers and real ciders from all over the country.

Angus McMeeking, director of Black Country Ales, said: "We're delighted to have the chance to look after The Anvil for the next generation of Shifnal drinkers.

"There has been a substantial six-figure amount invested in a complete refurbishment, restoring parts of this historic building and also in bringing the toilets inside and opening out previously unused parts of the pub to customers.

"We are delighted that Tom, Eloise have joined us and we know that they look forward to welcoming customers, old and new, to the next chapter in the Anvil's lengthy history."