Following months of refurbishment interspersed with two floods and a virus pandemic we are very proud, and relieved, to have finally launched The Water Rat Inn, Ironbridge.
Formerly the much-loved Meadow Inn – we have undergone 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 and plumbing systems.
The all new Water Rat Pub opened its doors to customers on Thursday 16th July, following extensive product testing and training of the team, not just in service standards and product knowledge but in managing safe distancing and uber cleaning work practices.
Restaurateur Alex Nicoll, pictured with Manager Lee Howard, Head Chef Kyle Myatt commented;
“After a long four and half months of floods and virus pandemics as of this coming weekend 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, following a £200,000 investment will play an important part at the entrance to historic Ironbridge; with its new interior and expanded gardens down to the river the business reflects the owners long term confidence in the village and its future as an important and popular visitor destination. Our second pub in the heart of the village, The White Hart is also able to play its part in that re-launch of the area and we can proudly say that Ironbridge is re-open for business.”
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 for the Government Furlough scheme.
Why the new name – the Water Rat?
When starting such a big and transformative the name came up for discussion; as we began to clear the lower gardens and reveal more of the river and willow trees nearby it brought in mind the idea of connecting the Pub more to its natural habitat – the riverbank. ‘Ratty’ from Kenneth Grahams’ Wind in the Willows is very much the solid and sensible one; bringing the troublesome Toad back to his friends and generally keeping the peace.
Head Chef Kyle Myatt and team offer a fresh ‘pub food’ plus menu featuring little tapas dishes to pub favourites steaks and specials – just what we’ve all been missing these last months.
New Opening Times
For the summer period we will be open Wednesday to Sunday each week – from 11am offering a daily fresh menu from noon to 8pm. We expect to move to full seven day opening later in the year.
We are only taking parties of up to 6 in the pub. Our function room also had a makeover and will be open later in the year for bookings.
Our bed and breakfast will reopen at the same time as the pub.
Book Your Table Here
See you soon.
The Water Rat Team.
PS…Safety First!
Along with all of the retail and hospitality sector we are introducing a more space between tables, control and rigorous hygiene routines into the pub. Expect to be asked to sterilise your hands on arrival; look forward to seeing all of us behind visors or masks; put up with a short wait at the door while the maximum two customers at the bar are served; hopefully enjoy more table service; love our single use menus to take home or throw away; rejoice at greater use of sachets for sauce ( bring it on) and ( wait for it) love opening your plastic bag of sterilised cutlery. And many other new procedures brought in to protect us all! Read our safety policy here
