The hotel was once extensively used by carriers who made it their Shrewsbury terminus. In 1961 it closed and did not reopen until 1984 after a great deal of renovation. After being substantially remodelled and re-furnished at the end of 2010, it is now a smart "boutique" hotel with 22 rooms, rated AA 3 star.
The Wyle Cop bar area has a cafe-style atmosphere, and almost a Scandinavian feel, with its oak floors, slatted benches and loose upholstery. There is an ownership overlap with the Boathouse further upriver, so visitors from that part of town will probably recognise the decor & style. The nearby Inglenook bar has a flagstone floor and a large open fire, and upstairs is the Star Bar, next to the private dining room and conference area. In keeping with this "feel", there is no chintz and no clutter. There is a terrace garden area with a prominent lion (but no obvious sign of a pheasant).
In 2019 the right hand ground floor, formerly another commercial property, was renovated and opened as Ernest & Co. a fine wine, cheese and charcuterie bar. It is operating as a separate business but shares toilet facilities and the garden with the pub. A small seating area connects the two bars. It is open 6 - 11 on a Thursday, 3 - 11 on a Friday and 12 - 11 on a Saturday. It does not serve cask beer.
Historic Interest
The name of Lion & Pheasant is considered to be a very rare combination of the two animals. Why they came together has never been explained! The last cock-fight in Shrewsbury is said to have taken place here (in 1857).
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 0 regular beers.
Lion & Pheasant, Shrewsbury
Changing beers typically include: Enville - Ale , Ludlow (varies) , Wye Valley - Butty Bach