Canal Pub on the Llangollen Canal

Guide To Old Town Hall Vaults

The Old Town Hall Vaults is a beloved historical landmark in Whitchurch. Originally built in the 1830s as a merchant's house, it later transformed into a parlour pub known locally as "the Backies," originally called the Back Street Inn.

This characterful establishment has a rich history and is notable for being the birthplace of the renowned composer Sir Edward German, who was born in the front room on February 17th, 1862, when John David Jones owned the pub and was later renamed the Corn Market Inn.

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Business Types


  • Canal Pub

Facilities


  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Serves Food
  • Bar Service
  • Accessible Entrance

Old Town Hall Vaults Information


1 St Mary's St, Whitchurch SY13 1QU.

Phone

01948 664682

Email

01948 664682

Social Media

Following a thoughtful refurbishment in 2024, the pub is now a Joule’s Brewery taphouse while still retaining its traditional charm. It features panelled walls, original fireplaces, and comfortable furnishings spread across three distinct areas. The Old Town Hall Vaults also boasts the distinction of housing North Shropshire’s only listed privy still in use.

Visitors can enjoy an impressive selection of Joule’s ales, including Pale Ale, Slumbering Monk, Pure Blonde, and seasonal offerings. Guests are welcome to relax in the cosy interior or the pleasant courtyard garden. The pub is particularly well-known for its delicious homemade sausage rolls and cheese and onion pie.

The Old Town Hall Vaults operates under traditional pub hours, opening weekday afternoons from 4 PM (noon on Thursdays) and all day on weekends, creating a friendly atmosphere where both locals and visitors can experience a genuine piece of Whitchurch heritage.

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM

Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

NOTE: Venues often have seasonal opening hours or can be subject to change and kitchen hours are often shorter, so it's always wise to check with the venue before visiting.

Old Town Hall Vaults Reviews

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Review from Google Places

28 March 2026

Had a stroll around Whitchurch and came across this pub. Nice and welcoming atmosphere on a busy Saturday night. Great choice of drinks and friendly staff and patrons. Id definitely return.

Richard Holder

Review from Google Places

18 December 2025

Nice live music on a Saturday night, great selection of zero alcohol drinks (since I was designated driver). Plenty of other alcohol drinks on offer. Nice rear gents bogs, which have been in use since 1830s.

Troy Clank

Review from Google Places

7 December 2025

Didn’t have food , just had drinks, great atmosphere nice beer and wine , had green monkey lager , liked it a lot

Phil

Review from Google Places

20 April 2025

Great pub as have been all the Joules I’ve visited. Nice pint and staff who had noticed my beer hadn’t cleared after a new barrel had gone one. Was replaced by the lovely lady behind the bar, nice ambient atmosphere, nice locals and as for the pork pie and sausage roll simply irresistible.

Definitely worth a visit again.

Ian Affleck

Review from Google Places

15 September 2024

Fantastic pub. Friendly bar staff. We come from out of the area, and it feels like our local. It’s well worth a visit.

Adrian Mellor