Cromwell’s Tap House, Shrewsbury. An Independent Pub Worth Seeking Out

Shrewsbury certainly isn't short of good pubs, but Cromwell’s Tap House, tucked away at 11 Dogpole, has several things going for it that make it worthy of attention from anyone who appreciates independent pubs, interesting beer and good food.

And there's rather more history behind that attractive frontage than you might initially suspect.

The building housing Cromwell's is Grade II listed and probably dates from the late 16th century. It was formerly known as the Warwick Hotel and, according to CAMRA, was originally a private house before becoming a hotel during the 1940s.

Today, however, it's an independent tap house, restaurant and hotel, and its independence is one of its most interesting features.

A free-of-tie beer selection

For us at That’s Food and Drink, one of Cromwell's biggest attractions is the beer.

CAMRA describes the pub as completely free of tie, meaning that it isn't restricted to buying its beers from one particular brewery or pub company. Consequently, its pumps can feature beers that aren't necessarily encountered elsewhere around Shrewsbury.

CAMRA says there are usually around three real ales available, sometimes including relatively unusual choices.

That's precisely the sort of independence we like to see. A modest number of well-chosen and properly looked-after cask ales can be considerably more interesting than a large row of pumps containing exactly the same nationally available beers you can find in dozens of other pubs.

The drinks offering extends beyond real ale, with Cromwell's advertising craft beers, wines and cocktails, while local and national breweries feature in its changing beer selection.

They stock Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Lager and his Hawkstone IPA on draught. A very tasty IPA, which I was fortunate enough to try for the first time at Cromewell's Tap House.

Food that's a little more interesting

Cromwell's also takes its food seriously.

Its current menu includes homemade seasonal soup, halloumi fries with mango mayonnaise and wild mushroom, garlic and thyme bruschetta with a choice of Shropshire Blue or vegan smoked cheese.

There's also a rather tempting combination of venison and pork meatballs in tomato and basil sauce.

Even the sandwiches venture beyond the completely predictable. Options listed include a curried bacon BLT and beer-barbecue-marinated jackfruit.

It's recognisably pub food, but with enough imagination to make you stop and read the menu properly.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also identified.

Don't miss the garden

One of Cromwell's less obvious attractions is hidden behind the building.

Shrewsbury and West Shropshire CAMRA describes its rear beer garden as "lovely", while Shrewsbury's official visitor guide calls the secluded garden a local favourite.

On a warm afternoon, that's another very good reason to wander up Dogpole.

An interesting alternative in a great pub town

Cromwell's isn't enormous inside, and that may actually be part of its appeal. This is an historic building rather than a cavernous modern drinking barn.

Online customer feedback is overwhelmingly favourable, particularly concerning the food, service, beer and atmosphere, although, as with virtually every pub, individual experiences inevitably vary.

What particularly appeals to us is the combination: an historic Shrewsbury building, an independent free-of-tie pub, unusual real ales, proper food and a secluded beer garden.

It's also within easy walking distance of the town centre's other excellent pubs, making Cromwell's an obvious candidate for inclusion in a Shrewsbury pub crawl, although we'd suggest taking your time rather than treating it simply as somewhere to rush in and tick off the list.

Shrewsbury has developed a deserved reputation as a destination for people who enjoy good pubs and good beer. Cromwell's demonstrates why.

Cromwell’s Tap House & Hotel

11 Dogpole

Shrewsbury

SY1 1EN

https://cromwellstaphouse.co.uk

01743 365158

That’s Food and Drink verdict: An appealing independent Shrewsbury pub with history, character, food and, most importantly for the beer enthusiast, the freedom to put something genuinely interesting on the hand pumps.

 Sometimes the best ideas for That’s Food and Drink arrive while we're eating and drinking.

My wife and I were sitting in Cromwell’s Tap House in Shrewsbury, enjoying a couple of absolutely excellent steak baguettes, when I looked around at the historic timber beams, the beer badges decorating the bar and the impressive selection of beers and thought: Why haven't we featured this place before?

So, somewhat appropriately, the idea for this review of Cromwell’s was born in Cromwell’s.

Incidentally hotel accommodation is available.