The Shropshire pub transformed by a designer with locals left raving about the result
As pubs continue to battle the cost of living crisis, the Shropshire Star continues its Love Your Local series which celebrates our local inns.
The Pipe Makers in Broseley is run by Kerry Ford, a graphic designer who has used all her experience to transform it into a wonderful place that locals are raving about, even hugging her to thank her for the makeover.
The 49-year-old lived away from the area for around 10 years. When she returned, she said she had picked up a bit of a posh accent and so when taking over, the locals weren't quite sure as they prefer to have someone from the area in charge.
Kerry had to reassure them she is from the Broseley area but her accent had just changed, and then all was okay.
She took over the pub a year ago and, having never been a publican before, she said it was a battle to win the lease as she doesn't have the typical hard face. However, after a long process, she finally managed to secure the pub.
Sharing about this she says: "It really was a battle to win this lease. Though I have never been a publican before, I said I have a lot of experience working with people and have experience in interior design and marketing, and so I knew what I wanted it to look like and what I wanted to do with the place.
"I really fought for it, and eventually I got the keys, but I had to do the refurbishment myself and I wanted to show that I can do the job.
"I did a lot myself like decorating, painting and moving everything around, and then there were a lot of courses to become a publican, with seller training and financial training, but I passed all the exams and then we eventually opened in October 2022, and it has been lovely since then.
"It used to be a rough pub and the locals would avoid coming here, and so my job was to change the reputation, so we changed the name, installed flowers outside, and changed the interior, to make it a more welcoming place and we have had a wonderful response since then.
"I have people coming up to me hugging me, thanking me for making it into a nice, attractive place - I felt really emotional. I had a vision on how I wanted to do it all but I did not expect people to be so wonderful.
"We have been nominated for best newcomer with Punch Taverns, and we have a cask mark for a 100 per cent perfect pour.
"I wanted to make it a place where everyone will feel like they are welcome, young people included and so I respect them, and in return I ask for respect and there has not been any issues, it has gone really well, and people look after the place."
