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Old Town Hall Vaults, Whitchurch (Vaults; Backies)

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Having bought the pub from Marston's in 2008, Joule's carried out a refurbishment and reopened it in December 2012. With its panelled walls, open fires and memorabilia it now gives the feel of an updated, comfortable and relaxing traditional pub. Although in theory it is a single room, this divides into three areas, two of which have original fireplaces. In common with several other Joule's pubs, the pork from the brewery’s well fed (!) Gloucestershire Old Spots is returned to customers in the form of very tasty sausage rolls. These come along free from 5pm each Friday, but note when they’re gone they’re gone.

And then there are some historical points associated with the pub. As St Marys Street was once called Back Street, it was called the Back Street Inn, and is still known colloquially as “The Backies” or “The Backstreets”. The story continues, in that it was the birthplace of composer Sir Edward German. Finally, the outside gents toilet is Listed and fully functional! (See photos) The pub was owned at one stage by the Border Brewery of Wrexham. The beer range occasionally includes Joule's experimental ales.

It was refurbished again in 2024, reopening in April. A friendly atmosphere prevails.

The only food is sausage rolls (and cakes!). Background music is just that.

Information for this venue is provided by the Shrewsbury & West Shropshire Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Back Street Inn
Local Authority
Shropshire
Last updated
06/05/2025
Last surveyed
16/11/2024
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Joule's
Pub ID
SHR/4745
Asset of Community Value
Monday
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Tuesday
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - Midnight
Saturday
Noon - Midnight
Sunday
Noon - 11:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 3 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
Joule's - Pale Ale
Joule's - Pale Ale Session Pale Ale • 4.1% Spotted twice
Joule's - Pale Ale
Joule's - Pale Ale

Session Pale Ale

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4.1%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted twice
Joule's - Slumbering Monk
Joule's - Slumbering Monk Premium Bitter • 4.5% Spotted 6 times
Joule's - Slumbering Monk
Joule's - Slumbering Monk

Premium Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4.5%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 6 times
Joule's - Pure Blonde
Joule's - Pure Blonde Session Blond Ale • 3.8% Spotted 6 times
Joule's - Pure Blonde
Joule's - Pure Blonde

Session Blond Ale

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.8%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 6 times
Changing

Changing beers typically include: Joule's (varies)

The venue's range of changing beers regularly includes the following rare beer styles: Mild , Porter


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Facilities
Live Music Live Music
Often on Saturday night.
Garden Garden
The inner courtyard is a pleasing facility with its sloping roof and space for various plants (during the growing season)
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Real Fire Real Fire
Smoking Smoking
Courtyard
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
LocAle LocAle
Transport
Close to bus routes
Nearby Station (800m)
Whitchurch (Shropshire)

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