Built around 1830 during the final stages of Thomas Telford’s last major canal engineering project, this quintessential canal-side establishment has been lovingly preserved by the same family since 1903, spanning nearly 120 years of continuous stewardship.
The pub has earned a prestigious Three Star rating on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Important Historic Pub Interiors, recognised for its authentic features, including quarry-tiled floors, high-backed settles, and scrubbed tables, which create a genuinely timeless atmosphere. With its front door characteristically facing the water rather than the road, The Anchor offers visitors a genuine glimpse into canal-side life from a bygone era, complemented by its selection of real ales, which have earned multiple CAMRA awards.
In addition to its historic charm, the inn provides practical amenities for travellers, including canal moorings, fishing rights along the waterway, a small gift shop, and a lovely beer garden. Guests can relax while watching narrowboats pass by, enjoying the tranquil rural setting that has changed little in nearly two centuries.
Really quirky little pub, you travel back in time when you enter!
No food served and only open limited hours, but worth a visit.
Very friendly landlady who pops down to the cellar to pour your pint. Local scrumpy is also on tap.
Ample outdoor seating and dog friendly.
Each time I visited I had a great evening chatting to other boaters.
I’m amazed they do enough trade to stay open, so would encourage people to pop in to this “living museum” to make sure it remains open!
Distinctive canal side pub serving one ale, poured into jugs in the cellar; one cider, limited range of sandwiches, snacks. Charming garden with carefully tended floral displays. Basic outside toilets.
We rarely visit pubs but we felt attracted to this small, unspoiled countryside pub. The landlady and her husband were very welcoming and friendly. He does amazing card tricks and she has a lot of stories to tell. We chatted to a local man and enjoyed ourselves so much that we went back the following evening. I would really recommend this pub
You have to love quaint to enjoy this place. It’s not flash, it’s not big, but the owners are lively and it serves good cold beer ( or anything else that takes your fancy).
In summer they’re open extended hours on weekends and public holidays, from 12 to 4, but could extend if there a people there.
Their hours in winter are more restricted: Friday and Saturday 7pm onwards, Sunday 12 noon onwards.
Give them a try if you’re in the area! Unique.
Lovely old pub – In a time warp. First time back in over 26 years and I dont think it has changed at all. Lovely pint and atmosphere… Certainly add it to your cycle route as a great little water hole.
