The Shakespear Inn in Shropshire

I hadn't been to the Shakespeare for years, so I was very pleasantly surprised when we stepped inside last night—a very warm and welcoming atmosphere with good, home-cooked food and friendly front-of-house service. I had a veggie dish and was asked if I was vegan, so that the correct ingredients could be used. My husband had short ribs, which were delicious. We shared a well-made mixed berry crumble and custard. I would definitely recommend this pub as an eatery and we will return soon.

My partner and I called in for a Birthday lunch, neither of us having been before. Lovely pub, clean and cosy with log fire. We both ordered steak....large portion, cooked to perfection. Pleasant staff and atmosphere, would definitely return again. Thank you to our young waitress too.

Brilliant lunch and great beer. Thoroughly enjoyed the warm welcome and dog friendliness ... will definitely visit again .

What a gem ! Can not recommend this pub enough, from the very warm welcome from Marie and her team to fantastic food. We have been coming regularly since finding it a couple of months ago, and what a wonderful place it is. Proper warm dog friendly environment, with excellent high quality food at very reasonable price and it’s a real ale pub too. Thank you Marie for such a warm welcome we get every time we come, see you soon.

Great pub, one of the best in Bridgnorth. Friendly staff, good atmosphere, proper cosy interior, well-kept ales (Joule’s pale ale being my regular choice). All pubs should be like this!

First time visit and would happily return, we arranged a birthday meal for a friend's daughter, the staff were friendly and made sure we had everything we required; the food was excellent and plentiful, if you are in the area , don't walk past this pub.

We wanted a cosy, dog friendly (throughout) welcoming, traditional proper pub with a real fire, fantastic home cooked pub grub, and excellent kept beer. This is exactly what we found at The Shakespeare. The food came out really quickly considering each of us had something different - and everything was real food. Delicious and good value. We were well looked after by the lovely staff. Came home to write a review and was utterly shocked by the last review on here - I know people experience places differently, but there’s no way that review is a true reflection of our experience. Would certainly recommend and return if we are able to.

Not a welcoming pub, staff including management could do with attending a course in customer relations. The young girl behind the bar almost threw the menu at us. The lady ( late 60’s grey bob wearing glasses) I assumed was the landlady is evidently in the wrong career was very rude and condescending. The whole of the pub could do with a good clean. Don’t look at the floor if you eat there and the tables are so sticky. There are far better pubs in Bridgnorth for example The Castle a little further up the road is a lovely friendly pub. It appears we weren’t the only ones that had had a bad experience another couple that followed us out felt the same.

5/5. Top of the class. Solo traveller popped in for a pint of the excellent Joule’s pale ale and left with a belly full of fish and chips and Green Monkey lager. The food was superb, the fish was well proportioned, even when it was from the lighter lunches menu, excellently cooked and accompanied by chips, fresh mushy peas and a spectacular and I’m guessing, homemade tartare sauce. The service was brilliant, friendly and accommodating. Have been before, will certainly go again. A real treat.

Great pub grub. We both had the beef Sunday roast with all the trimmings. All very tasty and the portions were definitely on the large side. We were so full we couldn’t fit in a desert. The fire was on which was lovely on a wet and windy day.

Great pub. Good selection of local ales and other drinks, Slumbering Monk is my go to beer with the Pale Ale a close second Pleasant ambiance and friendly staff. I have eaten here a few times and never left hungry. The menu is not extensive but always has a mix of old favourites and some thing a bit different. Portions are generous so if you want a sweet miss out the starter!

Visted for lunch with friends & our 3 dogs. What a lovely, friendly pub & the landlady so kind to the dogs too, offering to bring water over 😬👍 We had the beef & ale pie, double burger, rump steak, mushroom starter & light bite fishcakes. The food was all home made & just delicious 😋 😋 my husband’s steak was the best he had tasted in years. We did laugh at the ‘ light bite lunch ‘ as a very generous portion. Great experience & will defo be back, thank you!

A lovely welcoming pub great atmosphere, management and staff very polite, food excellent, wide range off great beers and spirits 10/10

After popping in for a quick drink, the smell of the food was amazing so we decided to book for Sunday dinner. I cannot emphasise enough, this was the best Sunday dinner I think I have ever had. Fresh vegetables, piping hot, meat and food was huge, so tasty, it was faultless. Service was excellent, staff so friendly, professional and attentive. Condiments brought out before meal, just cannot fault the whole experience. Thank you to all the lovely staff and Ellenor for all her help when booking.

Went for Sunday lunch with the wife and had the beef absolutely gorgeous dinner. Great atmosphere, lovely staff, and management in a great family setting. Will be back again very soon. Thank you.

Visited this pub at lunchtime, Great food and great service Staff happy and pleasant Beer ( joules monk) really tasty Had fish and chips - well worth it

Excellent food, fantastic staff and fab drinks. Was quiet when we arrived (just after they opened) food was served hot, fresh and quickly) staff very friendly and helpful. Nice little find for a Saturday lunchtime.

Popped into the Shakespeare for a drink on our day out in Bridgnorth very friendly we checked out menu then returned later for food ( so many pubs and cafe to choose from ) was a good choice we had steak and ale pie everything you want from a pie full pastry crust filled with amazing beef served with chips fresh veg and gravy xx Great beer atmosphere and very dog friendly

Really friendly pub and very dog friendly ( brought a dog bowl to our table even though numerous outside in the external eating area). Service good and food excellent. We had Aubergine in tomato sauce and I had an unbelievable steak ciabatta; large portion and very good quality and flavour.

Dogs on seats and allowed vaping, spoils the beer and the meals. Expensive and hygiene questionable. Pleasant service from staff.

We visited Bridgnorth today looking for somewhere different to eat as we usually go to Ironbridge or Wenlock as its closer to us. We came across The Shakespeare and decided to pop in for some lunch. Honestly, this little gem of a pub is like a home from home. We were immediately welcomed by the lovely young girl working on the bar who showed us to a table and took our drinks order. We had our newborn daughter with us and the staff were prompt in bringing us a pot of cold water to cool our baby's bottle down. Our food order was taken quickly even though the pub was very busy. A lady who I'm assuming was the owner came over to our table with a big smile to let us know that they had a baby changing facility if we needed to use it. The food and drinks were very good, the service was outstanding and the atmosphere of this pub was welcoming and cosy. We really can not fault it. Thank you all for making our first trip out with our newborn such a lovely experience. We look forward to visiting again soon.

I’ve rated this pub highly before, but we’ve recently had Sunday dinner and I think it’s my favourite. I would consider myself a bit of an expert with Sunday dinners, I think I’ve been everywhere in and around Bridgnorth and most are very good, but I can’t remember having a better lunch than last week.. thanks.

Really lovely atmosphere, friendly owner and nice ale. Best we've found in Bridgnorth. Would definitely recommend for a cosy fireside drink

First time here and most definitely won’t be the last. Wonderful greeting on arrival and served very quickly . Ordered our drinks and were speedily asked what we would like to eat. Food came quickly and we were not disappointed . My steak was perfectly cooked blue/rare. My husband had the fish cakes . Excellent . Great staff and very clean pub.

The food, drinks and service is always absolutely top notch here. I'd recommend the Spicy sticky beef or the Scottish Trout on a bed of Orzo pasta... absolutely sublime. Cannot help but tip for the service (as well as the food/drinks) Best in town

Popped in for a drink as we were caught in the rain whilst walking our dogs, and can't think for the life of us why we've never been here before! Comfortable, quiet dog-friendly pub with a real fire: ideal on a wet day! We didn't stay to eat, but may well do on our next visit. Pleasant, friendly staff, a nice enclosed courtyard for warm days and spotless loos.

We booked our table as it was our Wedding Anniversary. We left a message on the answer phone and the next day we received a call back. The lady was really friendly and accommodating and gave me all the information I needed. We arrived at the agreed time and were shown to our table. For the whole time we were there all staff were courteous, friendly and couldnt do enough. The food came quickly considering it is all home cooked. It was amazing. I would recommend this pub anytime and already have. Thank you for a lovely experience!

Called in today (Saturday 2nd September) for lunch just after they opened at 12. Hadn't booked. Table for one. No problem. Found a quiet corner next to a couple of tables which had been reserved. Friendly welcome. Friendly and attentive staff. Ordered the Steak and Ale pie which was on my table within about 20 minutes. Pie was excellent as were the chips. Left them a clean plate and after a breather, ordered the day's vanilla cheesecake with ice cream. Very nice. The landlady is very nice too despite a couple of reviews suggesting otherwise. I had already drawn my own conclusions beforehand. You can draw yours when you visit.

This a friendly, cosy pub. The food menu has some great choices and we really enjoyed the sticky toffee puddings! The service was good and the staff were welcoming, friendly and attentive. Nice atmosphere.

Sunday lunch for our 25 family members! Outstanding! How did they do it? We enjoyed a really outstanding Sunday lunch of lovely starters and super roast dinners. My homemade (really!) Steak Pie was fantastic as were the vegetables. Thanks must go to the very attentive staff who were delightful. All of this on an incredibly busy bank holiday Sunday.

We have ate here 3 times now as a large family, the Sunday roast is one of the best we've had, absolutely delicious and generous portions. The staff are all very friendly, welcoming, polite and attentive. Would 100% recommend. Already looking forward to our next visit!

This was a great, welcoming pub in Bridgnorth serving real ale & very decent food. The staff were excellent, chatty & informative so a great credit to the landlord who we chatted to for a while. Turned out we had unexpected geographical connections. Bridgnorth is not short of pubs & restaurants but this one stands out a mile.

Lovely pub with nice food but the vegetarian options are limited, 2 pasta dishes and a risotto. Could do with a bit more imagination.

Lovely old pub dating back to 1797. As soon as we walked in we were given the warmest of welcomes. We opted for the lunchtime menu, and chose the rump steak. One of the nicest steaks I've had in a long time, and the landlady confirmed they source their meat from the local butcher. The staff were all friendly and attentive, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. We will definitely be returning.

Absolute disgraceful attitude of the staff and a couple of the drinks were not right at all, when questioned the staff were very rude and reluctant to resolve the issue. Not long after we were asked to leave. The white lion was more welcoming.

Rude staff arrived to an empty table ordered our drinks to be told we can't sit there No reserved sign on the table bar extremely rude

Looking at the reviews, I can tell everybody has the same opinion as ourselves. It’s a proper boozer. The landlady is always super happy and she passes the smile along, and nothing is too much trouble. The gaffer looks after the log fires, there are...

We went for lunch after a concert. The young woman behind the bar is a great asset for Joules - so helpful, friendly and efficient. Beer was good as was the meal - steak and ale pie and chips and lots of vegetables. Just a...

Popped in for lunch, met with a cheery welcome from the lady behind the bar. Great selection of beers including Joules pale ale (recommended). Beers brought to our table, and dog water too! All the staff were very friendly and attentive. Food wise, I ordered...

I like the Shakespeare and my husband and I eat there often. We like the publicans and the old fashioned atmosphere. However I was disappointed with the quality of food tonight and I’m writing this because of the response I got to feedback. I ordered...

Called in at The Shakespeare after attending a lunchtime concert at the English Haydn Festival. The moment I tasted my pint of Slumbering Monk I realised I’d made an excellent choice of pub. My pork chop with mash etc was equally good. Will definitely return...

We have visited several times now, when it's been very busy and quiet. The welcome is always warm and friendly, food is excellent and if course the beer is spot on. Highly recommended. Dog friendly too

For those whom don't know Bridgnorth, there are so many places to eat and drink in hightown and lowtown that you could spend a week there and not have to visit the same place twice. The Shakespeare really does stand out as an ideal place...

I really cannot praise this place enough. Staff are so polite and welcoming. Food is amazing ( especially the Italian food ) also the pies are the best I’ve had anywhere. All food home cooked and fresh. Everytime we are in the area this is...

We visited with friends for food for the first time. The pub had an authentic feel. The staff were friendly, appropriately attentive and knowledgable about drinks and food. We ordered starters, mains and sweets that were home cooked. The meals were well cooked and presented,...

Went to celebrate our anniversary 🎉couldn’t fault it ‘the staff were friendly‘attentive‘nothing to much trouble . Meatball starter dish was superb ‘2 exceptionally good steak 🥩 dinners , followed by homemade rum & raisin cheesecake delicious , will definitely be returning

Called in early hoping to eat all the tables reserved. The staff were a little reluctant to let us use a reserved table for 7.15 at 5.30. Once we assured them we would be gone by 7 they agreed to taking our custom. Once sat...

The beer, food and service is very good. I had a gammon steak not far short of an inch thick, and my wife had prawns both excellent The service was equally good, even when the beer was spilt all over the place

We cycled to the pub and were immediately welcomed by the landlord who allowed us to park our bikes in the beer garden. The staff were well trained: efficient and friendly. The food was too quantity as was the Joules bee we had. A more...

Once again the evening surpassed all expectations. Friendly staff working tirelessly to make your visit memorable,amazing food,perfect atmosphere. The choice of meals and especially the specials were perfectly presented and tasted divine. The Monkfish special what can I say, superb. 😊

Fantastic find in the heart of Bridgnorth high town. I had googled "great food, dog friendly" and this place didn't disappoint. The staff were super friendly and very friendly to our dog, bringing her a bowl of water (even though they were very busy). My...

Visited on a motorbike ride as a stop off. Single-handedly the best Guinness I’ve had outside of Dublin. Cellar keeper knows how to look after their lines.

We didn’t have a table booked - Saturday evening. Even though they was packed we didn’t have to wait long. Service was amazing . Food was very good. I had steak and it was cooked to perfection. My husband had chicken supreme and he enjoyed...

After being let down by other local pubs charging too much for too little, this was a recommendation from a friend for Sunday lunch. It was excellent. A choice of beef or pork meant it was a simple menu but done well. The meat was...

Owners are rude, atmosphere is rubbish, don't go if you want a nice time, we were made to feel uncomfortable for start to finish

Came here for a meal on a Thursday evening and was not disappointed. The pub itself is warm; welcoming and traditional. The menu is varied with lots of great choice for both meat eaters and veggies alike. No complaints from either of us when it...

First time in this pub.The staff are so friendly and pleasant.The food is bloody amazing WOW.Thank you so much for making us so welcome. Steve butcher.

Fantastic! We visited today for some lunch. Food was outstanding, staff were lovely warm and welcoming. We had our dog with us too. The beer was great. We will be back!!

The second ever 10/10 steak pie I have ever had. Nice staff. Cool music. Real fire. I will be back soon. With friends. Great job folks Xx

Table of 9 for friends baby shower Lovely cosy pub, excellent food and fab staff, we all had a lovely time.

We had an excellent pub lunch at The Shakespeare Inn. There was a good choice of food at reasonable prices. Dog friendly too!

We called here on a quiet weekday evening after a long hike.To eat we had the special which was described as Braised Beef and Pork which was excellent. Portions were generous and the quality was superb. The vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and cabbage were all...

What a lovely experience, felt extremely welcome with our dog, the lady behind the bar was so helpful. Food was so fresh especially the salad. Ham egg and chips was excellent and the lamb kofta special was just yummy! Would definitely return here.

Excellent service with beautiful home made food. Partner fancied pie and mash and this pub did not disappoint!!! All staff were very friendly.

My wife and I visit Bridgnorth at leat twice a month and have done for as many years as I remember. Cannot believe how many times we passed this place and never ventured in. !! Staff brilliant. Great selection of ales. Food is as good...

Stopped for lunch 2 days on the trot. Staff really friendly, couldn’t do enough for you. Food was really tasty and good value. We had the lunchtime fish and chips which was a half portion, more than enough and left room for pudding! Panini’s also...

This is a very homely place with log fires burning, local ales pouring and the treat of home cooked food. I have eaten here many times. I have brought my friends and family here to experience the greatness of Marie’s Kitchen. As a Joules pub...

pleasant "old world" pub. good selection of ales/beers.....not so many ciders. good atmosphere , with outside courtyard drinking area

Initially been here a few times for a drink then have eaten there a few times now, mostly on a Sunday dinner and they do the best roasts, very generous portions and good value for money, but also plenty of choice if you want something...

Marie, Dave and the Team at The Shakespeare Inn were fantastic in helping to plan and deliver a surprise party for my parents 40th wedding anniversary. The Boatyard room is stunning with so much character and space. Nothing was too much trouble for the team,...

So glad we found this place. Really friendly staff, and lovely food (and a lot of it!) My husband had the fish and chips, which he said was lovely, but he couldn’t finish it. I had the Scottish trout and salad, which was really good....

Portions were too big for a lunch stopover. Could not finish. Hate to see the food waste. Very reasonable prices and friendly helpful staff. I had pie of the day, delicious and juicy with mash and veg.

We were recommended this pub by a friend so called in for a “pint” on Saturday lunchtime to check it out. We were not disappointed so booked a table for Sunday lunch. The food was absolutely amazing, my husband had the roast beef and I...

Been lots of times, absolutely brilliant, food good and staff are lovely. Have been here before many times, always the same quality and good service

Lovely old pub, with lots of history. The staff were very friendly. We only called in for a drink but after seeing the meals coming out decided we would order and share a starter and bowl of chips,very enjoyable. When next in Bridgnorth will certainly...

We had a wonderful evening in this warm, cosy pub. the Food and service were excellent and the staff really firendly.

We were staying a few miles from Bridgnorth and needed to be fed on Wednesday evening. After wandering around the centre of town my husband accosted two young men and asked if they could recommend somewhere to eat. They were very jolly and very helpful...

Haven't been here for a while and can't understand why. We booked for Sunday lunch and it was superb. This is a proper Sunday lunch real homley, fresh well cooked veg, cauliflower cheese, new potatoes, roast potatoes with pig in blanket and stuffing ball (...

What a wonderful welcome we got as soon as we walked through the door. Lovely establishment, friendly owners and staff and our little dog Daisy got lots of fuss from staff and customers, which she loved. Only went in for one drink but ended up...

Excellent food & service for our large group of 10. Table service for drinks as well. Generous portions.

Grandaughter aged 4.5 plus parents and grandparents making a group of 5. Met up here for lunch in the week before Xmas. First visit for any of us. No recommendations, just pot luck but what a find! But we were not alone: the bar area...

The food looked great, but as we had a table booked at another pub later that day did not partake of the fine cuisine. On each table there is a bottle of hand sanitiser, which smells like an extremely good single malt; you just buy...

Booked table for 3 with 2 dogs. Sunday 3rd Jan 22 . Pub was busy on arrival so I took dogs outside while my husband got drinks at the bar. He was directed to a table next to the bar conveniently situated for us having...

We recently visited the area and chose the Shakespeare as our ‘base’, wow where to start?! From the welcome from the brilliant staff and management, the roaring fires, excellent food ,huge selection of beers wines gins, the whole experience was outstanding . Covid safe to...

Visited this great pub for a lunchtime meal. We had a great meal that was well cooked tasty and worth the price. The service was first class and we will be returning on our next visit to bridgenorth.

Called in for a drink to shelter from the rain, the pub was very warm and cosy with a good atmosphere. Many people were calling in for food and left disappointed as there was no availability, a table became available and although not planned we...

Best. Pie. Ever. Amazing mash. Perfect vegetables. Lovely gravy. Service was excellent from all staff. The children enjoyed their food too. Thank you xx

We accidentally came across The Shakespeare while following direction on my phone to another pub in Bridgnorth but my husband like Joules pubs and the A Board outside said dogs were allowed in and hot food was being served, so in we went. The real...

Visited every week with family for a meal. Managers are very unwelcoming so we stopped going. Decided to give them another chance following lockdown but they were just as rude and unwelcoming as before. Will not be returning. They should atleast try to be friendly...

I like this pub and the staff are so friendly and welcoming. I don't often get a Sunday off, so booked for a roast lunch as a well needed treat. The meat was great, the veg, perfectly cooked, but oh dear god, they had cooked...

What an amazing place….the food is amazing…all home cooked, delicious & plentiful. The Baileys and chocolate cheesecake was unbelievable. Staff also exceptional..::years since I’ve had suck an amazing pub experience x

Came here for evening meal. 3 of us had different meals and we were all impressed by the quality, price and size of the portions.

I really recommend this pub, which I've never been to before (we're staying nearby on holiday). We had Sunday lunch here on the 24th October. The staff were friendly, attentive and quick. We were lucky we'd booked, several groups were turned away as they were...

Nice rooms, great food, friendly staff. Stayed 2 nights to visit nearby attractions. Beautiful setting beside the Severn River and 35 minutes walk to Ironbridge. Lots to see nearby and the village is idyllic.

A group of 6 of us looking for a meal before a show stumbled across this gem of a pub last night. What a warm and friendly pub it is! We were welcomed with smiles and were accommodated with no problem. Atmosphere is lovely, old pub with nooks and cranies. Drinks were good and food excellent. Definitely will be back next time we in town. Recommend definitely......

Our family of 8 had a celebration meal here and all of us thought it was great. The food was lovely and the service was great. Will certainly visit again when in the area.

Found this cosy pub for our last night in Bridgnorth and a little gem it was. Really friendly staff and atmosphere, the lovely landlady recommended a beautiful dish a duck and chilli stir fry which was perfectly presented and with just the right amount of heat.. thank you for making our last night here just right xx

We visit The Shakespeare regularly and have never had a bad experience. Dave, Marie and all the staff are always welcoming and genuinely interested in having a conversation with you (plus they're all great with our kids!) . Today we popped in for lunch and none of us were disappointed. A vegetarian burger (although not vegetarian) was enjoyed by the other half and I had the monkfish off the specials which I have to say, was probably one of the best meals I've had during our 2 year tenure of living in Bridgnorth. I'd highly recommend The Shakespeare, great owners, great staff, great food and great beer. What more do you need from a pub?

What a great place, food amazing, very dog friendly...a lovely relaxed evening..would return without hesitation

To tell the truth we weren’t expecting more than your average pub. Just dropped in for a pint after a long dog walk.Welcome was genuine, the Joules beer excellent and the whole pub is dog friendly.The owners went out of their way to make our dog and us feel welcome, so we decided to stay and eat. The food was freshly cooked, ham was from a deli, the salad very tasty and the chips cooked to order and delicious and plentiful. The scampi dish with it’s homemade tartare sauce equally good. Both dishes under £7 - amazing value for such good food.Great beer, great welcome, cheery service and fantastic value for money.Thoroughly recommend.