Old Harkers Arms, The

Prior to 1985, the Old Harkers Arms was the basement of an old warehouse overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal. The building was derelict. Using reclaimed materials such as chemistry lab counters and old mahogany doors to make the bars, adds to the feeling that the pub has in fact been there for at least a century: in the nicest sense!

The pub has a good range of well-kept real ales, which are helpfully described on a chalkboard. A good choice of wines is also available.

The food is good and freshly cooked, with a menu that changes regularly. Starters might include tomato soup; ham hock terrine with curried apple chutney; salmon and smoked haddock fishcake; or poached eggs, spinach and hollandaise sauce on a muffin.

Main courses include roast beef and Yorkshire pudding; braised lamb shoulder with root vegetables; duck breast with potato and celeriac rosti; pork and herb sausage, leek mash and onion gravy; beef and black pudding hotpot; penne pasta with tomatoes, broccoli and pesto; mackerel with new potatoes, peas and bacon; haddock in beer batter with hand-cut chips and mushy peas; or Ploughman's with locally produced cheeses.

There is a good range of sandwiches, puddings and cheeses available.