Prices from:
£109 per night
Having founded and run a ski chalet in the French Alps for a few years, Sean and Lexi Morris returned to Britain in 2013 to take on the former Sun Inn in Norbury and they have since transformed the 18th-century coaching inn into an informal restaurant with rooms, having initially run the place as a B&B. Their passion for food and wine (Lexi trained to be a winemaker) eventually led them to open up to non-residents and since offering talented local boy Harry Bullock the head chef position in January 2017 they haven’t looked back, the place is thriving as a destination dining pub-cum-restaurant with rooms. Tucked away in sleepy Norbury, smack opposite pretty All Saints Church, in stunning countryside between the Long Mynd and the Stiperstones, it’s worth finding off the A49 north of Craven Arms and Bishops Castle. Charming and informal, the feel is country-rustic in the simply furnished bar and dining rooms, with deep sofas and armchairs fronting a blazing log fire in the bar-lounge area, where you will also find books and games, and wood floors, old dining tables and bold artwork in the relaxing dining rooms. Handpumps on the bar dispense locally brewed ales. Add innovative, modern British food, a passion for local produce and seven comfortable rooms and you have a cracking base from which to explore this fascinating area – Powis Castle, Stokesay Castle, Ludlow and Shrewsbury are close, and superb walking on the Long Mynd and the Shropshire Way are just 10 minutes from the front door.
Children are welcome in the bar and dining areas; smaller portions are available and Room 7 (Suite) has a sofa bed.
The Coach House is very dog friendly – your canine chum is allowed in the bar and lounge areas, and overnight in the annexe rooms where they will find a basket, bowl, biscuits and homemade liver cake.
Peaceful shrub and plant filled rear garden with picnic benches beside a pond for summer alfresco dining.
What’s the Damage?
6 doubles & 1 Suite: £109-£169. Dinner B&B £169-£229; mini breaks & foodie breaks offers available.
What Else?
Gongs
AA 5 Star Restaurant with Rooms, 2 Rosettes & Breakfast Award
The seven comfortable, well-equipped rooms are spilt between the inn and the adjoining Coach House. With its own private entrance and direct access to the garden the three annexe rooms are ideal for dog lovers; two rooms also have a small verandah with table and chairs. All rooms are individually designed and have a classic country feel in keeping with the location. Expect quality, pocket-sprung Sealy mattresses topped with White Company linen, with bright throws and cushions adding a splash of colour to the rooms, locally made wooden furnishings, upholstered easy chairs, Smart TVs, fresh flowers, a good drinks tray (Tea Pigs, fresh coffee and milk, homemade biscuits). Fresh en suite bathrooms have a mix of shower only, showers over baths or shower and bath, plus a generous supply of organic toiletries from the Highland Soap Company; Room 5 has a separate private bathroom with huge roll-top bath. Front rooms enjoy peaceful views to All Saints Church opposite; rear rooms look out towards the magnificent Long Mynd. The beamed loft suite (Room 7) comes with a spacious lounge area, replete with huge sofa, 48” Smart TV, table & chairs (dinner can be delivered to the room), a king-size bed, a super bathroom with walk-in double shower and separate deep tub, and great views across the Shropshire countryside. The award-winning breakfast will certainly set you up for the day.
What’s the Damage?
6 doubles & 1 Suite: £109-£169. Dinner B&B £169-£229; mini breaks & foodie breaks offers available.
What Else?
Gongs
AA 5 Star Restaurant with Rooms, 2 Rosettes & Breakfast Award
(Starters: £7-£8; Main Courses: £12.50-£21; Desserts £7-£11.50; set lunch 2-courses 17.50; 3-courses £22.50)
Talented young chef Harry Bullock has certainly put the Coach House on Shropshire’s culinary map since becoming head chef in January 2017, earning this rural eatery two AA Rosettes within three months. Having first stepped into a kitchen at the age of 12 (at the renowned La Becasse in Ludlow – now closed), Shropshire-born Harry, now 21, has been making waves locally for his innovative modern British cooking and his passion for using ingredients sourced from local artisan suppliers. His sensibly short carte and set lunch menu change monthly and like his daily chalkboard bar menu, they evolve with the seasons, making good use produce from raised beds in the garden, rare breed meats from local farms, estate shot game from Willo Game in Norbury, bacon, sausages and charcuterie from Wenlock Edge Farm at Much Wenlock, and fresh herbs and vegetables from local market gardens, including Hare Hill Farm at nearly Edgton. This all translates to such starters as game terrine, golden raisin and pickled vegetables and Jerusalem artichoke velouté, toasted hazelnut and crispy sage, and main dishes like roast grouse, beetroot, chard, plum compote and game sauce and halibut with butternut squash, mushroom and almond tarragon. For pudding, you could try black treacle gingerbread with slow-cooked ginger ice cream. Daily bar menu dishes may include autumn vegetable soup with toasted sourdough, rare breed rib-eye steak with triple-cooked chips, roast tomato and mushroom, and Norbury apple crumble. Accompany with a pint of Salopian Shropshire Gold or Three Tuns XXX, brewed down the road in Bishops Castle, or a decent bottle of wine sourced from independent merchant Iron & Rose in Shrewsbury, who specialise in wines from organic and bio-dynamically farmed vineyards. Book your stay to coincide with one of Harry’s tasting evenings – you won’t be disappointed.
Breakfast: 8.30am – 9.30am (9am-10am Saturday & Sunday)
Lunch: 12 noon – 2.30pm Friday & Saturday
Dinner: 6pm – 8.30pm Wednesday to Saturday
12 noon – 11pm. Closed Sunday to Tuesday; Wednesday & Thursday lunchtime & January
What’s the Damage?
6 doubles & 1 Suite: £109-£169. Dinner B&B £169-£229; mini breaks & foodie breaks offers available.
What Else?
Gongs
AA 5 Star Restaurant with Rooms, 2 Rosettes & Breakfast Award
Take it back home
Tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef, and seek out the roadside stalls selling the local crab and samphire on the inn’s menu, the Food Trail features the local artisan producers and suppliers where you can buy to enjoy at home.
Change of scenery
Looking for a pub for lunch following a country walk, a different venue for dinner, or a good café for coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, then the best in the area are listed below. If you find a new and exciting eatery in the area that’s worthy of a mention on the Food Trail, then please to do let us know – gabrielle@innplaces.co.uk.
With one of the most alluring window displays imaginable, this Aladdin’s cave of a deli in Shrewsbury’s Wyle Cop specialises in local cheeses such as the award-winning Appleby’s cheese made in nearby Whitchurch. 01743 240180.
Family-run since 1842, this top-drawer wine merchants occupies a historic black and white timber-framed building in Shrewsbury's Wyle Cop - a street regarded as one of the best in the UK when it comes to independent shops.
Open since 1965, Shrewsbury Market Hall stands proud between Shoplatch and Claremont Street and the stalls sell a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fresh fish and deli products, as well as books, china, antiques, collectables and contemporary arts and crafts.
Located at Castle Gates, this artisan bakery run by Kate and Martin makes a range of breads, cakes and pastries. The specialty Shropshire Whey bread uses the whey from local cheesemakers Appleby's.
This traditional and quirky old pub in Church Street is a local institution and the place to sup local ales over friendly banter with the regulars.
In converted railway shed, this artisan brewery doesn't do guided tours as such but you can pick up bottles of brews like Ludlow Best and Black Knight from the shop and it also has its own small bar where you can taste before you buy.
Janette Rowlatt opened this quaint chocolate shop in 1999 and it now stocks a mouthwatering selection of specialist chocolates from all over the world, from bars to boxes.
Debra Reece and Des Walker run this organic food store at Castle Gates and it sells a fabulous selection of fruit and veg, cheeses, artisan bakery items, confectionery and kitchenware. 01743 366660.
The renowned and historic Three Tuns and adjoining brewery (under separate ownership) has been the community hub of this unique little town since 1642. Explore the independent shops and rest and refuel on good food and a pint of Clerics Cure at this friendly and unassuming pub.
Part of the Oakly Park Estate, the Ludlow Food Centre offers a unique food shopping experience where farming, food production and retailing come together under one roof. Buy beef, lamb, Old Spot pork and game reared on the estate, and vegetables from the walled garden, as well as top quality produce from local artisan producers, many of whom make the food by hand on the premises. Allow time for breakfast, coffee or lunch at the excellent all-day Ludlow Kitchen Restaurant.
A large, twice-monthly farmers' market selling a wide range of everyday and specialist food and drink produced within 30 miles of Ludlow.
Established in Cleobury Mortimer by the Davis family in 1993, Hobsons is one of the leading craft brewers in Shropshire and one of the most sustainable breweries in the country. The owners are passionate about craft and provenance and the primary ingredients are sourced within 30 miles of the brewery. Look out for the brewery nights and foodie events at the brewery, which includes a brewery tour and beer tastings.
Located near Oswestry, Park Hall is one of the region's most exciting all- weather, family-friendly attractions noted for its hands-on animal activities and two huge indoor play barns. For something a bit more sedate, take a look at the on-site museums and exhibitions.
Opened in 1903 to connect Welshpool and the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this 2 foot 6 inch narrow-gauge steam railway survives today as a popular visitor attraction. All the trains are steam-hauled, taking you on a 16-mile return journey through the scenic countryside of Mid-Wales.
After you've explored Shrewsbury's ancient streets, relax aboard the Sabrina and enjoy a 45-minute cruise on the river Severn, departing from Victoria Quay near the Welsh Bridge. Refreshments are available on board.
The Edge Adventure Activities Centre at Much Wenlock, south-east of Shrewsbury, offers the chance to indulge in a huge range of popular activities. There's clay pigeon shooting, archery, zip wire, quad biking and much more. It's a great venue for a family party or a birthday treat.
Enjoy the River Severn from the water at Ironbridge and get a unique view of the world-famous, historic structure. Gliding through the water, you may even spot otters, deer and kingfishers. There’s always plenty to see on the Severn.
Soar above Shropshire in the company of buzzards, savouring the stunning views of verdant landscapes from a two-seater glider. One-day flying courses are available to give you a taste of adventure.
Situated among Shrewsbury's many independent retailers and individual businesses, Candleglass, offers a wide range of giftware, various paintings by many of Britain's finest artists, ceramics, candles and cards.
This boutique-style shop in Ludlow's elegant town centre offers a wide and striking range of inspiring items, including soft furnishings, furniture, table lamps, chandeliers and limited-edition prints, plus original works of art and jewellery.
Shopping is a real pleasure at 55 Mill Street in Ludlow - a collection of traders housed among the historic buildings in this wonderful old town. Expect a treasure-trove of decorative antiques, French brocante (bric-a-brac), vintage clothing and textiles, architectural antiques and garden furniture. 01584 877200.
Situated in the charming little Shropshire town of Church Stretton, Burway Books is a proudly independent bookshop where you can browse and buy to your heart's content. Expect to see some of the very collectable Lone Pine titles by Malcolm Saville - the stories are set in the locality.
Bodenhams on Ludlow's picturesque Broad Street is the place to go for an extensive range of men's and ladies wear for use indoors or outdoors. The black-and-white timber-framed building in which the shop is based dates back more than 600 years.
With a portfolio of products extending to more than 3,000 items, Dickinson’s handles original artefacts and stocks everything from brassware and door knockers to sockets and Bakelite. This is where to come for the restoration, renovation and decoration of homes, gardens and furniture. They are have a shop on Corve Street in Ludlow.
In Shrewsbury’s Wyle Cop, Feather & Black is the ideal retailer if you’re looking for an excellent range of high-quality upholstered wooden and metal beds as well as occasional furniture. In addition, it stocks a selection of linens, bedding and accessories.
Just outside Shrewsbury, Haughmond Abbey is a ruined Augustinian monastery, probably founded in the 12th century. Now managed by English Heritage, the abbey ruins - including part of the Chapter House - occupy a picturesque hillside setting.
It might come as a surprise to find this suburban villa on the outskirts of Telford. In fact, the house and grounds represent an Edwardian time capsule, transporting visitors back to country house living prior to the First World War. More specifically, Sunnycroft tells the story of a brewer, a widow and three generations of the Lander family.
Situated at Broseley to the south of Telford, National Trust-managed Benthall Hall explains the story of the Benthall family from the Saxon era to the present day. There's also a striking Restoration church, a restored plantsman's garden and an old kitchen garden. Look out, too, for the Elizabethan skittle alley and circular walks through the woodland.
Based at Cosford, between Shifnal and Albrighton, the Royal Air Force Museum has over 70 aircraft of international importance housed in three wartime hangars. See the world's oldest Spitfire and visit the museum's acclaimed National Cold War Exhibition.
Attingham Park is Shropshire's leading year-round attraction, and with its acres of parkland, miles of walks, walled kitchen garden and graceful mansion, you can see why it draws so many visitors.
Close to the Welsh Borders, Shrewsbury is one of England's loveliest and most historic market towns. The river Severn loops around it and a stroll through its quaint streets reveals a host of fine buildings and ancient landmarks - including the Castle (now a regimental museum) and the world-famous Abbey.
One of Shropshire's most popular visitor attractions, Ironbridge Gorge is acknowledged as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. With 10 museums to explore, there's always plenty to see and so do at this World Heritage Site - designated for its history, geology and cultural heritage.
Take a leisurely stroll around the medieval town of Bishops Castle and you'll find an impressive collection of arts, crafts and quirky independent shops.
www.walkinginshropshire.co.uk
www.shropshirewalking.co.uk
www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk
www.walkingbritain.co.uk
Shropshire is a cracking county for walkers. Everywhere you go there are hidden villages, peaceful river valleys and tracts of delightful countryside with ancient field patterns. Most walkers head for the remote, secret country of the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, Clee Hills and the Stiperstones – a fascinating, mysterious landscape steeped in folklore and legend. In Shrewsbury you can join the popular Severn Way, while several long-distance paths cut through the nearby Welsh Borders – including the Wye Valley Walk and the more famous Offa’s Dyke.The Shropshire Way passes less than a mile from Norbury and can be accessed from the front door of the Coach House. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at the Craven Arms is a perfect starting point for exploring the region.
www.travelshropshire.co.uk
www.cycleshropshire.org.uk
If cycling is your thing, Shropshire also has plenty to offer. Roads weave through breathtaking scenery and are almost completely traffic free. If you want to venture off road then we are spoilt for terrain and the area is well supported by several specialist stores. The hallowed Eastridge Woods are less than 10 miles away and the Shropshire Hills Mountain Bike and Outdoor Pursuit Centre is only 10 miles way by road. Its just the other side of the Long Mynd, with its wealth of trails and batch descents. Depending on your schedule you can explore the Marches to the west, the beautiful hills to the south or the natural and man-made wonders of Ironbridge Gorge to the east.
www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk
www.shropshiretourism.co.uk
Shropshire has plenty of festivals, carnivals, fairs, shows and exhibitions throughout the year. The well-established Shrewsbury Flower Festival and the Tales from the Edge storytelling extravaganza at Much Wenlock are two very popular fixtures. There’s an annual Walking Festival at Ironbridge Gorge, while Ludlow has a Food Festival, a Spring Festival and a Medieval Christmas Fayre.
By Road: Norbury is signposted off the A489 between the A49 at Wistanstow and Welshpool, 3 miles north east of Bishops Castle
By Rail: Nearest station is Church Stretton (5.5 miles)
, Norbury, Shropshire, SY9 5DX
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