Water Rat Pub in Telford and Wrekin - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Wonderful setting but disappointing food and overpriced drinks. The pie crust was very dry and brittle. Burger was also very dry and lacking in flavour. Not impressed by the automatically added 10% service charge. At least they removed this before taking payment

We enjoyed our lunch here today.

Very expensive for the type of food served which was at best mediocre. Hardly any meat on the ribs I had and it didn’t exactly fall off the bone. Dried up rubbish. My partner had fish and chips and the chips had been stood around a while before serving. Then they had the nerve to ask for a service charge at the end! I noticed there was a best western just up the road so do yourselves a favour and go there instead.

Lovely location , our room overlooking beer garden was nice a tad tired but fine . Food was ok ( quick pub grub ) breakfast was brill and a great host in sue , she was wonderful . Unfortunately the bar closed early on Saturday night . We would stay there again .

Nice food and lovely beer garden, on the river walk into Ironbridge

Difficult to work out what was happening re this pubs recent low scoring reviews as our experience was very positive. We're not local and have never been in this part of the world before. I booked three days before arriving at the Rat via phone. We arrived and were shown to a table reserved for us. We had our old terrier in his stroller with us. The staff had thoughtfully left space for it to be wheeled into. There was a large party celebrating an 80th birthday party behind us so initially we were a bit worried about speed of service but it was fine. Service was good, the staff friendly and talkative with us. We both had a Sunday lunch 2 course carvery, one chicken and one beef, both very tasty. We liked the vegetables being served in separate dishes. For the second course we both had the lemon cheesecake with sorbet. Wow! Really nice. Next time in Ironbridge we will definitely be returning to the Rat for lunch.

Came for food and drinks fantastic service delicious food great atmosphere for couples highly recommend.

I went in personally on Tuesday morning and made a booking for 2, face to face with a member of staff, on arriving Friday evening there was no one to receive us. I noticed an arm appear from behind a pillar by the glass washing machine and spoke to this staff member. He looked at the book and could not see us booked in as apparently I was told the staff member I had spoken to had written us in against a non existent table number! We were after some delay shown to a table and drink orders taken, waited again for menus to be brought and both were disappointed with the poor selection on offer. There was no welcome , no atmosphere, and very little attention. We decided to pay for the drinks and leave, no attempt was made to try to rectify the problem , no questions asked as to why, so we walked out and went elsewhere, The last time I ate here just over a year ago it was equally disappointing. Having read a recent review in the In and Around magazine, I was taken in, but will never return.

1st time here for Sunday Lunch Pate starter could have done with a little salad. Main course: Beef was cooked well, good selection of veg, plenty meat and roast potatoes. Service ok, perhaps a bit too relaxed, could have been quicker. Had to ask to see dessert menu and still not asked if we needed more drinks

Review of the pub. First, the good aspects. The serving staff were pleasant and friendly, the restaurant had nice decor, and overlooked pleasant views of Ironbridge gorge. Not so good aspects. We and a friend dined there yesterday, I had steak and chips, served without salad, but for an extra £3 I added a sauce. I requested it medium to well done, but it was fairly pink, so, for £25, this is pretty poor. I didn't return it, as we had waited for quite some time. My wife has fish goujon ciabatta, (just lettuce and red onion, so questionable value). For us two, with drinks and coffee, the bill was £45. Our friend was asked if she minded paying a 10% service charge, she agreed to. I was not asked, so paid an additional £4.56, making the bill £50.16. The bill notes that 'a discretionary service charge of 10% has been added to your bill, please let us know if you would like it removed, thank you'. I could have objected to the additional charge, (I may have voluntarily given 5%, if it was warranted, but it wasn't), but, these days, it's generally understood that the business relies on reviews for future trade, so accepts this risk. Portions are skimpy and unimaginative therefore prices do not reflect good value. The Fat Frog is rated at 15 out of 16 in the local area. I'm certainly not trying 16.

Stayed here for a week for work, Ironbridge is a very nice location with some good places to eat, and the food at the water rat is also very good, nice beer garden. The room is nice, the room above me is a bit noisy but that's to be expected in an old building.

Stayed here in our camper van and was very impressed. Excellent food and a breakfast available. The parking area was lovely with views ofthe beer garden and river. Staff were so friendly. So impressed we stayed a 2nd night and enjoyed a walk into Ironbridge. Very quiet nights sleep too. Definitely plan to return.

What a lovely place right in the heart of Ironbridge. Gorgeous views, lovely food, and excellent service. The room was very clean, with a comfortable bed and a cosy atmosphere.

Lovely location just outside the main village. Stayed here for 2 nights for work. Easy check in with Mandy with room overlooking main road. Area nice and quiet. Room compact and cute with bathroom upstairs and comfy bed. Unfortunately pub shut early the first night so we couldn't enjoy the pub and garden and visited their sister pub instead (also very good). Pub garden overlooks river and bridge with path to walk along the river into town. Lovely evening in the pub garden next day. Breakfast very good, really friendly serving lady with the big bunch of keys happy to sort out stuff for a fussy vegetarian. Would stay here again if in the area.

Restaurant area looked nice...but unfortunately no. Food chef left !!! Had to revert to plan B. !!!

Lovely location. Good service and varied menu.

Amazing place staff are the best

Beautiful and amazing Sunday lunch. Best we've had in ages. Service was second to none

Me and my partner stayed here last night (24th April) check in was nice and easy and really friendly staff. We were instantly made to feel welcome. The older lady on duty (sorry we didn’t catch your name) was lovely and helped me out especially after I had forgotten a pair of scissors to wrap presents, a massive thank you to you! The room was a good size, very clean and well decorated. The bed was also really comfortable. We had a really good nights sleep. The bathroom was also very clean and the shower was amazing! We decided to have some drinks in the afternoon in the garden. The drinks were reasonably priced and a good selection. We also decided to have food in the evening. We booked a table for 7pm the service was brilliant and really friendly. A special thanks to Emily who made our evening and our stay extra special. She is brilliant at her job! The food was outstanding and the sausages and mash may just have been the best I’ve ever had! If at all possible please let me know where I can find some of those sausages! Breakfast the following morning was good. We ordered a full English it tasted amazing! Especially the sausages! Overall a great experience, attentive friendly staff. we will definitely be returning, and highly recommend! Thank you. Also worth mentioning, fridge by the rooms with extra milks and water, big smart T.V in the room and 20% off on food for residents, brilliant!

Friendly and helpful staff, based on our visit for drinks only.

really disappointed in the food and the cleanliness of the place . we have been 3 times this year and the standard is now very low very poor food and small portions we will not return

We went in our campervan and stayed on the car park overnight for evening meals which were hot, fresh and well above the standard of pub food. It's a clean and very well kept and very comfortable place with very clean toilets. The gardens are quite extensive and onto the river, a beautiful spot even in winter. In summer a treat! We will probably use this as a regular stopover.

Well just drove past the place and gave it a go when we was back in the area, and we wasn’t disappointed. At 1st no one was in at the time we got there but picked up mid afternoon, the food was banging , Tasty and flavourful going to come back and try the Sunday roast

A fantastic little gem of a pub, dog friendly, great food and fantastic drinks. Great service from the manager Lee and made us feel very welcome

The best fish and chips my wife and myself have enjoyed in a very long time. Jade, our server, is also deserving of a mention.

Wish I had took some pictures but this place is so lovely, Lee and Mandy are the such good front of house team, what good service should be. This is not a pub grub type place or a dated restaurant. Its airy, has views to die for and holds standards. We went last Sunday 2nd Dec 2023, it was that fabulous all 6 x clear plates with all praise of their choices from Burgers, Nut Roast to traditional Sunday Roast , the chef needs to know they did a great job . I was drooling over the next tables beef roast as it arrived first. I was not disappointed with mine, it was gorgeous. Good job , so nice to have a fab new Sunday local to enjoy. Its that great we have booked our family in for New Years day. In essence : Fab location, a hidden gem on the beautiful river seven, really dog friendly, spotless with quality comfortable furnishings and lovely design features.....fab food - Amazing team !!!! Credit where's it due :)

Booked on line for lunch. When we arrived there was no booking but apparantly it takes an hour to register. My husband went to the bar with the order and then the young girl there told him there was no food being served. We asked why but she didn't know. We decided to go and find somewhere else. I was so annoyed and no apology except from the poor girl. As we were leaving a young man appeared and loudly asked what my problem was. I asked why there was no food and he said it was nothing to do with me I said it was, because we'd booked and driven there. He said it was personal problems in the kitchen. I said I would review it on Facebook to which he said he'd delete it and we should have spoken to him. We were not the only ones this affected and he should have come to the dining room and told everyone, apologised and maybe offered a complimentary drink and not lef it to a young girl. These things happen but it was badly handled. I said I would review it here but he said he didn't care as they never read it. We will never visit again

Lovely afternoon spent sitting g outside, great location for a chill. Then took a table inside, great food choice, good portions and service. Staff amazing gluten free and milk alternative available

Visited with family and was really impressed with the team. They had remembered the booking note about one of our party needing easy access and they couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Food was great, loved it all. Would definitely return if only I lived in the area.

Great location and nicely appointed pub with outside terrace. Service was slow but not terrible. Some food was ok, other items not so good. Side order of onion rings were very greasy and a table spoon of fat ran off into tray, not eaten. Burger was ok. My wife had chicken and couscous, chicken was cooked ok and eaten, couscous was wet and soggy, un-edible. Complained at payment time and was thanked for the feedback……….well done you have lost a couple of customers.

Superb food, in a lovely place. Everything we ordered was beautifully cooked and served. Staff were superb too. Will return.

Went in for a beer after a long walk, and tried the sticky toffee pudding, it was absolutely delicious, best dessert I’ve had in ages.

My wife and I chose here for a 3 night stay near Ironbridge. It was lovely. Great room (4) with river and garden view. Lovely breakfast and we had evening meals too. What SUPERB food! The staff are great. Really friendly, efficient and professiinal.

Heard about this place so booked a table for Sunday lunch, service very slow, no draught beers, items on menu not available but food & surroundings ok but the whole experience was nothing special.

Lovely beer garden out the back, nice place to grab a drink and enjoy the greenery and sunshine. Reasonably priced drinks. Easy parking.

We went here without a booking, they very kindly accommodated in outside setting in beautiful surroundings. The food was outstanding and very well presented. My friend ordered the rump steak with chips etc - huge portion, as was my wild mushroom tagliattle. Our only issue was that you could not buy a bottle of red wine according to the menu - strange.

Food very good but the time taken from order to delivery at the table was terrible. Don't think it was front of house staff who were all very pleasant and helpful. Problem seems to be in the kitchen. Eg our desserts (each of which would have been prepared earlier and required no cooking took nearly half an hour to appear.) When we visited they told us they were only taking prebooked customers so they can't say that they were unexpectedly busy. Shame because it's a nice pub, very clean and in a lovely setting.

We were looking for one night away and came across this cheap room. This was described as a small room with queen size bed, suitable for intimate couple or single person. The room was perfect not to small, plenty of room for 2 people. The bed was very comfortable and big enough for the 2 of us. The room was spotless and adequate for what we needed. The bathroom being upstairs was no issue and very spacious. Breakfast was included in the price £69, and was one of the best full English breakfast I've had. The staff were very helpful and pleasant. This is a lovely location, 10 min walk from Ironbridge. Definitely a revisit.

Myself, husband and daughter popped in for lunch. Starters were good. Husbands steak was fine. My daughters steak was off. Full of some vile gunk. My ham wasn’t nice and had to ask them the finish cooking my egg as it was still gunky. Young...

We stayed at short notice , accommodation was great, spacious rooms and clean and well appointed. The food in the evening was fantastic and made all the better by the high quality of service and friendly , homely feeling by the staff. I would certainly...

Beautiful location, lovely atmosphere, delicious food and great service. What more can I say?? It really was worth every penny.

We were staying at the Best Western Valley hotel. In Ironbridge. The hotel was full and unfortunately we had not booked an evening meal prior to our arrival. That was our fault. Another venue was required and we didn’t want to travel much. The Water...

Hi we droped in for lunch on the way home couldn’t resist the roast beef smell coming from the kitchen that was it two roast beef diners ordered love to know what is in the red cabbage tasted a bit like Pernod was a fantastic...

Just OK! The service was pretty friendly. Maybe a bit relaxed though (slow). Food was OK too. Had worse but had better. Drinks too expensive too.

Brilliant meal, could go on and say more but it was just perfect. It wasn't about quantity here, it was more quality and they didn't disappoint, particularly the beef and the horseradish mash, we need this recipe!! They were busy but nevwr felt rushed and...

We booked for Christmas Day 3 adults 2 children and was disappointed with both the meal and service . The food was very disappointing for the £70 a adult we had to pay in advance . The service was also not good . What should...

Catching up with old friends after a long time this was the ideal place with friendly staff, small light bite lunch choices and great ambiance. Our food choice were the small tapas like options, three for a set price; this so suited us with our...

Recently visited here, really tasteful decor, beautiful riverside large garden, lovely riverside walk into ironbridge, very friendly welcome from manager lee and staff, meals are a welcome change from chain pubs, well presented and hot really lovely experience, we will be back thank you.

Really disappointed with my meal tonight, not been for a while but friends wanted to dine there. I had fish and chips, besides being like a child's portion size, half the fish was batter and the chunky chips were liked they had been reheated. Told...

Defo not worth the money. Staff we're friendly but food not worth the money. We ordered two puddings to take home at the price of £12 absolutely alarmed at this value for money. Sorry but we can't see us eating there again as so disappointed...

I would just like to say a big thank you to Lee and his staff for all help in organising my birthday meal with my family everything was as asked for I could not recommend the water rat enough. The food was all pre ordered...

We booked a party of 7 including 3 children, as was made clear when I booked, for lunch at 1.45pm. We arrived on time, were shown to our table, were given menus, ordered and were served drinks in reasonable time. At or just after 2...

Tried to visit for breakfast when passing at about 10.30am as the A board sign outside stated 'Open now for food'. We were told by Lee and his staff that was only for B&B customers which was not stated on the sign. Lee, the manager...

Visited today for lunch and was not disappointed. Food was mouthwatering and very reasonably priced. Extensive menu too so plenty for everyone. Decor and setting is beautiful. We walked up alongside the river from Dale End Park but plenty of parking available at the restaurant....

This turned out to be a far better meal that we expected. I was in Ironbrigde on business and simply needed an evening meal as we discussed plans. Hence I took little interest in the menu or the decor other than making sure there was...

Enjoyed a delicious lunch with 6 friends. A large choice of menu , friendly staff, nothing too much trouble . Great atmosphere with smart furnishings and decoration ,lots of paintings and for example one wall entirely covered with different styles of mirrors,. Comfortable chairs, large...

everything from the starters to the mains & puddings was spot on ,clean friendly warmth place to dine in, recommended to all to try

On our first visit to the Water Rat we sat in the lovely garden area and ordered from their" Garden Menu" which is described as a sharing menu. Our choice a Chicken Caesar Salad and 3 small dishes to share ( Ironbridge Tapa's ) style...

This venue looks to have been refurbished and it has been beautifully done. All the tables are spread out giving safety and privacy. There was a good choice of fresh food. We had the sea bream and duck, both were well presented and tasty as...

We were recommended this pub by the landlady of the guest house we were staying in. The pub is in a fantastic location and worth the ten minute walk from Ironbridge. All the staff were very professional and polite. The food was fantastic (duck breast...

We stayed for a 2 night break at the fabulous newly refurbished Water Rat and absolutely loved everything about it! Peaceful location, beautiful beer garden backing onto the river, 15 min stroll into Ironbridge. Fabulous, friendly staff who looked after us brilliantly. Newly upgraded bedrooms...

Accommodation was in the adjacent building - room tastefully furnished and decorated with thoughtful touches such as fresh milk in a shared fridge in the hallway. Dinner was fabulous and very reasonably priced - would highly recommend. Staff were friendly, polite and helpful. Stay here...

Visited with my Brothers and sisters on Saturday Lunch time. Food was Lovely .The staff were helpful and friendly. " wish we had booked in here" The garden area was beautiful and led to an amazing walk along the river. We found an antique and...

The Water Rat offers a good menu and wine list at reasonable prices. The food, wine and service would make a good restaurant proud. I thoroughly recommend it and will certainly go there again when i am in the area

I had booked a table on 8th April for my birthday, I understood the menu was limited as stated on their website/FB page. Firstly we booked the decking area rather than the gardens but FB posting states they were only open 12 noon to 4pm...

Our first post lockdown lunch today, and we really enjoyed it. The pub is beautifully refurbished, bright and airy but also managing to be cosy with all the Christmas decorations. Our meals were a delicious mushroom risotto, and very good braised beef. Service and precautions...

The Water Rate was empty when we arrived but it was a Monday night, but after a while quite a few of the tables filled up. The pub has recently been refurbished so looked clean and bright. We chose this pub because the vegetarian variety...

We have just had a lovely weekend at the water rat Inn Ironbridge, great staff, great food, great service, highly recommend it. Doug and Jo

Visited for lunch on a Saturday. Lovely newly decorated for interior. Sanitizer available at entrance. All staff wearing masks. Ordered fish & chips, burger and chilli. All we’re well presented and very tasty. Our son had chocolate brownie for dessert while I had a coffee...

My first visit here. Lovely decor. Excellent food and service. Friendly staff, very efficient. Everything just right!

Stopped here for a quick drink to enquire about booking a table. Appeared very clean and tidy, with staff cleaning tables in between customers too. Occasionally sounds like levels of staffing too low for numbers of bookings.

Called in for lunch. The restaurant has clearly been updated and looks very pleasant. The server served us coffee and left us with a menu. At this point we clearly became invisible and were forgotten about. A group of four were seated at an adjoining...

I visited recently as I hadnt been since it was the Meadow and the interior was lovely, they really have made a lovely job of the refurb and it looks a different place. The staff who looked after us on Friday evening were lovely, very...

We called today for a drink and to have a look at the refurbishment! Lots done to the exterior and interior, all very tasteful! We waited where told but we ended up looking for a staff member as no one around! No personal details taken!...

Really lovely main course dishes, I was excited to get to pudding but for me all the puddings were overdone and hard on the top- almost as if the sponge had been either cooked too long or put in the microwave to re-heat. It was...

Four of us recently visited the new Water Rat. The visit didn't disappoint. The new decor has been tastefully done. The food on the evening was great. A lovely menu with a good selection of dishes. We particularly liked the squid, belly pork & caesar...

Came for lunch with family members. The place has been redone very tastefully. We were greeted pleasantly. There are proper covid 19 rules in place. The food was delicious, very tasty and well presented. Portions are not huge but I like that. I had the...

Had high hopes for The Water Rat following the refurbishment and I believe new owners. Wish I hadn’t gone. Starters were very nice but it went down hill from then. Meat on the mains were all overcooked and dry. The desserts I think were microwaved...

First visit after referb. A lot brighter and well laid out. Warm welcome on arrival and great friendly service throughout. Have been a long standing Miller and Carter fan for their steaks, but they have lessons to learn as the steak here was perfect. Portions...

We went here last night and it was very busy due to the government eating out scheme. The waitresses were rushed off their feet but were always smiling and welcoming. I had the sea bass which I highly recommend, it was cooked to perfection Can...

Excellent food and service. Sensible social distancing. First visit since refurb. Highly recommended.

Our first visit since the refurb & couldn’t fault it. It’s been done out beautifully, the service was friendly & efficient & the food was gorgeous. I had the cheeseburger/pulled pork Brioche & pear & ginger crumble, my husband had the belly pork which upon...

Time to serve food seemed very slow but when it arrived it was nice and fries were great. We thought it was costly for what we all had but that may have been due to the drinks we think, although these were all soft. We...

we have been looking forward to the re opening of this pub, however,we were disappointed today . the staff were disorganized the food tasted greasy and re heated... although it wasnt hot..The meal was completely wrong... I expected a fillet of chicken breast not a...