About Us

Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...

History

Here is a little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth a read.

The Armoury is quite a grand building that started life as an Armoury (strangely enough) in the late 18th century, although it originally wasn't situated on its present site at all. The whole building was moved lock, stock and barrel (to use an appropriate metaphor) in 1922, from the Armoury Gardens, because immediately after the First World War, building materials were hard to come by, and they recycled what they had. It has served various purposes in its life, having most recently been a bakery.

After the war the Armoury
was used for convalescence

When the Armoury was a bakery
the pillars were striped as a
warning to fork-lift truck drivers.

Jerry and Graham have always liked Shrewsbury, and one day had a wander round the city checking the lie of the land, seeing if they could find a home there. They saw the Armoury as it was, with its long run of high windows looking out over the river, and thought it would make an interesting pub, although it wasn't available at the time. To use an attractive building on the banks of the river for industrial production was a waste and the potential was plain to see for those with pub-eyes. It seemed that it could be a Harkers on a bigger scale, with the advantage that it would be big enough to cope with a healthy dining trade as well as a busy wet trade.

When the building did come on the market some time later, we were pretty quick out of the traps, although the building needed some serious work on it to get it up to scratch. What began as a quiet spot down by the river when we opened has since burgeoned into the entertainment quarter of the town, with bars and restaurants all around, which wasn't quite our original plan.

Photos courtesy of Morris and Co.

If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...


Front of house

Tom

Manager

Tom is known as the old man of the Armoury who loves nothing more than to read a newspaper with his favourite beer. He joined the team 7 years ago and has been moving his way up the ranks, to become the Manager in march 2022. When not serving pints, he enjoys playing rugby for his team in Whitchurch or playing golf with his mates.

Rick

Senior Deputy Manager

Rick joined the B&P family in early 2023, after 15 years in the hospitality trade he's settled straight in. Originally from Scotland, Rick has made his way down the country, working in pubs across the North West and now has settled in Shrewsbury. In his spare time he enjoys going back up to Scotland to compete with his band, where he plays the bagpipes and supports his favourite rugby team, Warrington Wolves.

Jay

Deputy Manager

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry across the country, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating memorable experiences for our customers.

Jay's go-to drink? Mango vodka & Lemonade! A perfect choice for those who love a refreshing and flavourful beverage. Although Jay has had the pleasure of traveling the world, his absolute favourite holiday involves setting sail on a cruise.

Charlie

Assistant Manager

Charlie is following in the footsteps of parents Greg and Pia who manage our sister pub the Combermere Arms near Whitchurch. They have certainly acquainted him with pub life and this shows in his knowledge of wine and beer. He is of Swedish and Welsh decent, which make for some questionable music tastes at times! Out of work you'll catch him sipping a Lowenbrau at the bar or testing out some single malts with dad Greg.

Assistant Manager

Emma, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 10 years of experience, has been a valued member of the Armoury since 2023. Known for her warm and welcoming demeanor, Emma will make everyone feel welcome.

When she isn't working you'll find her drinking Prosecco (she is Prosecco's number one fan) and looking after her other number one love, her lovely cat Nelly.

Dee Millea

Supervisor

The queen of the Armoury, quite simply without her the Armoury would sink!


Kitchen

David

Head Chef

Dave, aka Popeye, has been in the cheffing trade for many years including a spell working in the tavernas of the Greek islands where he perfected kebabs and moussaka. Dave follows a conflicting range of interests which include weight training, flower arranging, and tough guy competitions, running marathons and needlework. He also a big rugby fan and player when he gets the chance, and likes to wind down after a game with a Campari and soda whilst listening to his favourite Ronan Keating and Westlife tunes.

Sim

Chef

Sim has worked in the Armoury kitchen for nearly 10 years (on and off, he just keeps coming back!). Always smiling and a joy to work along side, his sense of humour is second to none!


Maintenance

Constance

Cleaner

Connie started at the Armoury in April 1999 and since then she has become an integral part of the maintenance and kitchen crew. She has a passion for anything from Laura Ashley and regularly brings chocolate biscuits to work with her in the mornings - so is a very popular member of staff.

Noel

Cleaner

Noel is an Armoury kitchen legend, but now plies his trade front of house - he works hard and plays hard, as long as your definition of 'playing hard' is a cup of tea while watching 24 hours in police custody box sets. He is now the Armoury handy man and helps out in the morning cleaning as well.