Ironbridge Is Open For Business
Last month saw the popular eatery The White Hart Inn, located on the Wharfage over-looking the River Severn gorge, re-open following earlier floods and a subsequent make-over, and the all-new Water Rat Inn, (formerly the Meadow Inn) – has finally opened its doors following a huge £200,000 make-over, which has included not just a brand-new bar and restaurant interior but kitchens, car park, gardens, internal electrics, plumbing systems and complete re-brand.
Joint restaurateur and pub consultant Alex Nicoll, (pictured with Manager Lee Howard, and Head Chef Kyle Myatt) commented; "After a long four and half months of floods and virus pandemics, Ironbridge is officially and fully open for business and I'm very pleased to report that the new pub in the Village, the Water Rat Inn, will play an important part, located at the entrance to historic Ironbridge. With its new interior and expanded gardens down to the river the business reflects the long term confidence in the village and its future as an important and popular visitor destination.”
The two pubs have created ten new jobs in the area, retaining eight of the original staff from the Meadow Inn, with more returning to both pubs from the Government Furlough scheme. There has been extensive product testing and training, not just in service standards and product knowledge, but also in managing safe distancing and uber cleaning work practices, aimed at exceeding Government safety guidelines post-COVID. Both venues have also created state-of-the art 'Track and Trace' systems on their websites for anyone wishing to just call in for a drink, each located on both websites, with scannable 'SR Codes' provided to drinkers on arrival.
Note: Ironbridge Wharfage is currently open to pedestrians only from 10am-6pm at weekends to encourage visitors to relax and enjoy the shops, bars and restaurants with no traffic.
More information on The Water Rat
More Information on The White Hart
