Your ultimate guide to pubs in Ironbridge

If you are planning a trip to Ironbridge in Shropshire, then you’ll be in for a treat! As part of a World Heritage Site, the town has a variety of family-friendly attractions. There are an abundance of pubs in Ironbridge that are relaxing and enjoyable places to take a break from sightseeing for a pint to drink or a bite to eat. Here, we recommend some of the very best pubs Ironbridge has to offer.

The Swan

The Swan is a 4 star pub and inn situated right on the bank of the River Severn. It is the oldest pub in Ironbridge and inside you can see various features such as low wooden beams that add to the charm of the building. Despite its age, the pub still has a contemporary feel that is ideal for families. The menu has an extensive range of traditional foods such as burgers, grills and pies with a typical meal costing around £30 for a couple. There is also a good range of beers and wines to choose from. At the weekends, the pub provides some excellent entertainment in the form of live music. The place can get quite loud so don’t visit at this time if you’re looking for some peace and quiet!

The White Hart

Around 300 yards from the famous Iron Bridge is this quiet, family friendly pub overlooking the river. The White Hart is in a great location ideal for visiting all the local attractions. The menu is top quality and serves generous portions so it’s excellent value for money. Great food options include BBQ ribs and locally-made steak and ale pie. With friendly and welcoming staff, this really is a lovely pub to visit. There’s an upstairs dining area as well as a beautiful courtyard outside where you can eat and drink too. For ale fans, you can enjoy some great tasting ale such as the famous Blueberry Bitter and Honey Pot ale.

Golden Ball

The Golden Ball Inn on Newbridge Road is a pleasant and popular pub. Recently re-launched, the new owners have made a huge effort to make this pub a real delight. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the staff cheerful and the menu serves a great variety of quality, fresh and reasonably priced food. A meal will cost around £20 for two people. Menu highlights include the steak, sea bass and warm camembert starter. You can enjoy your meal in the beer garden where the pretty fairy lights on the pagoda will help you unwind in the early evenings. Children and dogs are welcome. Make sure you book a table, particularly if visiting on a Friday or Saturday night as the place gets full quickly.

The Tontine

The Tontine pub is popular with the locals, providing warm and friendly service from its staff. Situated in a Grade II listed building, the pub originally opened as a hotel in 1784, while the inside has character and historical charm. It serves up a great selection of food including Sunday dinners from the carvery, which is a particular favourite with visitors. It’s very reasonably priced and you can eat as much as you want! The pub is almost always full so it is advised to book a table if you’re planning a visit.

Malthouse

The Malthouse is a great location and fun for all the family! Situated on the popular Wharfage stretch, this pub is unique in its bold interior design. As you walk in you’re hit with a striking crimson colour and decor you won’t find in any other pub in Ironbridge! The food is excellent with a menu serving traditional pub grub from burgers, lasagnes and grills to more sophisticated mussels and some interesting Asian-inspired dishes. Prices for mains range from £9 to £19 and the menu has a great selection of beers and wines too. Don’t miss out on the delicious cheese board after your main meal! Every so often, the pub offers 80’s nights, providing an entertaining evening filled with music and fun fancy dress so be sure to get involved!

Other Attractions

Other pubs in Ironbridge worth a visit include the Shakespeare Inn, Robin Hood Inn and the White Horse. There are great walking routes in and around Ironbridge as well as good campsites. If you fancy taking a cycle ride while on holiday, don’t miss the Heritage Ride, a gentle 2 to 3 hour long cycle that takes you in and around the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. You can cycle across the Iron Bridge and stop at the White Hart or other local pubs to re-fuel! If you have little ones with you, then there are plenty of shorter routes you can take around Telford Town Park with plenty to see and do.

Ironbridge has 10 brilliant museums to see. The easiest and most cost-efficient way to see them all is to purchase an Annual Passport Ticket giving you unlimited daytime admission the museums and allowing you to return any time throughout the year. Don’t miss Blist’s Hill Victorian Town or Enginuity for a truly unique experience!

Another great attraction nearby are the Ironbridge River Cruisers. Something different from the museums, this is a fun and relaxing way to see the surrounding countryside and discover the fantastic engineering that went into constructing the first arch bridge in the world made of cast iron. Also worth a stop is Hoo Farm in nearby Telford, which is a great day for the younger children. 

Between the variety of attractions to explore and pubs to relax in, Ironbridge is an ideal location for a family holiday. We hope this guide will help you plan where you choose to unwind during your trip to Shropshire.