The Water Rat is an attractive riverside pub with boutique rooms set in a lovely location in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
This charming destination inn on the Buildwas Road in Coalbrookdale is renowned for good food and service – but now has a new team set on raising the offering to an
even higher level! At the helm is new manager Sarah Berkeley, an experienced player in the Shropshire hospitality industry. Sarah will need no introduction to many readers thanks to her time at The Woodberry Inn, in Bridgnorth.
Since joining The Water Rat in April, Sarah has brought in a new kitchen team led by Andy Taylor, whose many achievements include taking part in the BBQ in the Park series as a guest of Michelin-starred celebrity TV chef Tom Kerridge. Andy is Devon-born and raised, bringing with him a passion for everything from the sea. This has led to the launch of the fish board at The Water Rat, bringing a range of daily fresh fish specials.
In the kitchen Andy is supported by Kate Bradley, who gained her 1st rosette at The Water Rat’s sister pub The White Hart in the centre of Ironbridge.
Kate and Andy’s cooking styles and experiences have resulted in a menu that showcases quality local ingredients with worldwide influences to suit all the family. In-house smoked and cured meats by Andy are sharing the menu with Kate’s Asian infused cooking. Between them the majority of the menu is made in-house, including Andy’s BBQ and smoked sauces and Katie’s Asian pickled dressing and sauces. Breads are baked daily.
While Sarah, Andy and Kate are relatively new to the team, there is a familiar presence front of house in Mandy Price who is the backbone of everything. Mandy worked at The Meadow – The Water Rat’s previous name – from 2007 and has been with The Water Rat since day one. Her knowledge of the Ironbridge Gorge museums and other local visitor attractions is truly impressive and she is always ready to recommend places to visit to B&B and day guests alike.
The B&B consists of five double en-suite bedrooms and one family room with a double bed, twin beds, a bath and shower room. A Full English breakfast is included with your stay. A Bed, Breakfast and Dinner option is also available.
In an enviable location beside the Severn, there is a 70-seater restaurant inside and a further 70-seater garden dining area overlooking the river. Downstairs the Rat Hole is a great snug bar area leading straight into the garden.
A range of mouthwatering dishes are served daily with starters typically ranging from crab and crayfish taco and salt and pepper calamari to Tandoori tofu and Korean
fried pork belly. Mains feature the likes of chargrilled spiced chicken, pan-fried salmon fillet, sirloin steak and fries, pan-fried gnocchi, classic fish and chips and burgers.
The Water Rat’s take on classic desserts such at sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie, cheesecake and fruit crumble and custard, promise to round offany meal
in style. “On our new Autumn menu we shall be introducing Pie of the Day, as well as our chefs’ spin on casserole type dishes. Fish and chips and burgers will be given a new twist for the new season” Sarah explains. The children’s menu of cheesy tomato pasta, battered fish goujons, sausage and mash and mini cheese burger with fries, will be slightly tweaked for the new season but with a similar offering. Wines are from local wine merchant Addisons and local ales from Hobson’s brewery in Cleobury Mortimer, along with the brewers’ speciality pork scratchings.
“As we are a destination pub we offer a complete range of alcohol-free spirits, wines and beers for the designated driver” adds Sarah. This seems especially attractive given how many places don’t seem to offer much of a choice to the man or woman behind the wheel.
The Water Rat is a genuine family pub, witnessed by the fact that the kids’ menu has proved very popular.
The lovely garden beside the river is a particularly special feature, giving The Water Rat a real edge if you are looking for a place to dine out that not only provides excellent food, drink and service but an environment that’s easy on the eye, creating a feel-good ambience. Well worth a visit.
The Water Rat is open from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm with food service from 12midday to 8.30pm.
Sunday opening is 11am to 8pm with food service, including a Sunday roast, from midday to 6pm.
MENUS & BOOKINGS HERE
Thank you What’s What Magazine for our lovely review
Water Rat Summer Decking with River Garden Views
