HAMPTON LOADE.

Not quite in Bridgenorth, and not 'that' close either, but a good pub none the less. The Lion Inn is a wonderful, comfortable country pub, situated in a pretty location by the River Severn, in the village that contains the last working ferry across the river. Entering the village is like stepping back in time, quaint old cottages, a disused forge and a sign warning drivers of ducks crossing the road. The pub nestles at the end of the road with cosy rooms, open fires, a large outdoor drinking area, a large car park and a caravan site nearby. Whether hiker, dog owner, family, canoeist, cyclist, diner or Severn Valley Railway user the pub accommodates, and welcomes all. The pub has a fine reputation for food and is a Good Beer Guide regular - a fine pint is always guaranteed - as well as supplying an interesting range of country wines and brandies. The pub however, is under threat. The Whittle family who own and run it - and have done so for over 40 years - decided to close the pub at the end of the summer season 2000. However, the reaction from so many of their customers and friends has caused them to give it one last try. If people visit the pub and eat and drink there then it can carry on. The pub is busy in summer but it needs local people to make the effort to visit in winter to keep it open - the log fire is very welcoming on a cold day, particularly after a brisk walk along the banks of the river. The family put the pub up for sale in 1995 but no interest was shown in the property so this is the last chance to keep it alive as a pub. Planning permission has been granted to change its use from that of an inn to country style cottages. This though will not happen if you the drinking and pub going - public go there in large enough numbers. Once you have visited it we can guarantee it’s the type of pub you’ll want to go back to. If you don’t it will become just another statistic - another rural pub closed. Access for the disabled is not good and there is no accommodation here.