Wenlock Arms

This pub retains fittings from the late Victorian period, with the most eye-catching being the central stillion and the mirrored bar-back.

Established in 1835, this charismatic corner pub survived attempts at conversion into housing in 2013. It was the brewery tap for the nearby Wenlock Brewery, which closed in 1962. A large plaque displayed on the Sturt Street frontage proclaims “The Wenlock Arms - Wine and Spirit Stores”.

Within, the pub is now a single space, having lost its internal partitions. Two slender columns with ionic capitals support the ceiling. Mosaic floor decoration in the entrance doorways have the legends ‘Wenlock Arms’ and ‘Private Bar’ respectively.There is a  promontory servery with a classic panelled Victorian counter which has elegant curved corners – note the three cupboards in the front. The glory of the pub is the single bay Victorian stillion, which reaches to the ceiling (fridges have replaced the lower shelving). An archway connects it to a mirrored back fitting. Both this and the stilllion are fitted with pretty narrow decorated mirrored panels. There is a brick fireplace of no great age, and above it an excellent “Wenlock Famous Ales and Stouts” mirror.  A matchboard panelled dado throughout; and the fixed seating appears to be old.

Marring the overall effect is a very obtrusive pot rack; nevertheless, this pub is well worth seeking out.