Old Town Hall Vaults, Whitchurch (Vaults; Backies)

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.

New managemen Jan 2023