Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
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...
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.
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.
Supervisor
The queen of the Armoury, quite simply without her the Armoury would sink!
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.
Senior Sous Chef
Our very own master chef, having appeared on Masterchef the professionals back in 2010.
John joined the Armoury in Late 2022 and is loved by chefs and our 'front of house team' alike. Cool and calm, John is the man you want on the pass when it's busy.
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!
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.
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.
