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 name "Woodbridge" comes from the bridge adjacent to the pub which connects the parish of Brosley on the south bank of the river and Sutton Maddock on the north bank. Architect and bridge builder William Hayward designed the bridge, which was the first crossing of the Severn at Coalport. His scheme encompassed two timber-framed arches built on stone abutments and a pier, and was opened in 1780.
The opening of the bridge was somewhat played down as the impending showcase 'Iron Bridge' further upstream was already being trumpeted as a technical masterpiece. The wooden bridge did not survive long unfortunately, as the central pier was severely damaged by flooding in a storm in 1795
A account of the flood from 1822 reads thus:
"Lastly came the impact of the great flood of February 1795 in the West Midlands. The height of the 1795 flood is still recorded by a marker at Dale End, Coalbrookdale, which together with some of the evidence from the contemporary press, testifies to its frightening, almost Biblical scale. At Shrewsbury the quays and neighbouring timber yards and warehouses were swept clear of all that was in them, and many graves in the Abbey churchyard fell in. Shrewsbury was almost completely cut off, no coaches could reach the town ... In the Severn Gorge water flowed three-feet deep in the rooms of the Swan, White Hart and Meadow Inns ... The canal and river at Coalport were united ... rising water reached [the Madeley Wood furnace ultimately to lie several inches deep in the hearth. Two houses by the Iron Bridge were washed away, and the counting house used by the coal factors at the canal/river interchange at Coalport sailed away down the river. The flood was probably the worst in historical times on the Severn. "
After the destruction of 1795, the bridge remained closed until the Trustees, of what was to become known as Coalport Bridge, had it rebuilt in 1799 as a hybrid of wood, brick and cast-iron parts, cast by John Onions. The two original spans were removed and replaced by a single span of three cast iron ribs, which sprang from the original outer sandstone pier bases. The bridge deck was further supported by two square brick piers, the northern one constructed directly on top of the stone pier base and the southern one set back slightly towards the river bank. The remainder of the superstructure was built of wood and may have reused some of the original beams. However by 1817, this bridge was failing again, attributed to the insufficient number of cast iron ribs proving inadequate for the volume of traffic. Consequently, the bridge proprietors decided to rebuild Coalport Bridge once again, but this time they chose to do so completely in iron.
The date of 1818 displayed on the bridge's midspan panel refers to this substantial work which allowed the bridge to stand without major repairs, for the next 187 years.
Some further strengthening work was carried out on the bridge in 2005 when it was closed for about one year to reconstruct the two brick arches supporting the verges at the south side of the bridge. Traffic control measures which previously limited traffic flow to single file were lifted and although weight is now limited to three tonnes, and a height restriction remains, the bridge is expected to continue to serve motor users in the gorge well into the 21st Century.
This is one of the oldest cast iron bridges still carrying traffic and is a scheduled ancient monument. Its five cast iron ribs span 103ft across the River Severn.
We have not been able to ascertain the actual date of the pub, but perhaps it is not unreasonable to suggest it was built between 1780 and 1795, when the original woodbridge was still in existence.
If youd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...
General Manager
Elliot is well known and very experienced within the B&P family, you'll have most likely spotted him at one of our sister pubs across the river. With a passion for whiskeys, wines, ales and fresh ingredients, he also knows how to put on an event to remember! When he isn’t behind the pumps he's a keen cyclist, runner and enjoys all the outdoors has to offer … he can certainly recommend a good route along with great ale!
Deputy Manager
Michael is universally known as Budgie, which is predictable. With a degree in Business Management, Budgie spent time working in Kuwait as a financial co-ordinator, which is why he is now in the pub business - no doubt about it, beer is more fun. He is a proper beer monkey, with a special affection for Old Speckled Hen.
Deputy Manager
Lena is our deputy manager and with 13 years in hospitality, we snapped her up straight away when we heard she wanted to join Team Woodbridge! Lena is wonderful, if we do say so ourselves, the Mary Poppins of the pub, perfect in every way and a soul for a fantastic party! A few fun facts, she can eat 20 oysters in less than 60 seconds, loves cats and if she could have gone to one concert it would have ben Led Zeppelin. Rock on!
Assistant Manager
A face everyone knows and loves is our Assistant Manager Marcus! Marcus has a passion for the best ales and is a dab hand in the cellar, his knowledge of wine is perfect for pairing your favourite dishes with the best drink!
Assistant Manager
Alfie is our sportsman and main barman. He’s been with us for around five years on and off, working his way from KP to Assistant Manager - a real achievement to be celebrated.
Regulars often compliment Alfie on his amazing moustache - it’s kind of become his thing!
In his spare time, he’s usually out playing football or golf, and he’s a big fan of Oasis.
After a shift, he’s always up for a well-earned pint of Guinness.
Supervisor
You'll usually find Molly working in our main restaurant, always serving looks and making sure everyone is well looked after. If you ever have a question or need anything, she's your girl.
Molly is mum to a little boy and is always talking about how amazing he is. When she's not at work, you'll usually find her out for breakfast with the girls or spending quality time with her family.
Bar/Waiting
Lacey is another of our long-standing team members. Her smile is contagious, and we've never seen her stand still - she's like a whippet racing around the pub!
A proud mum of three, with two boys and a little girl, Lacey is always on the go. When she's not at work, you'll usually find her out on the farm enjoying the fresh air or busy keeping up with her little ones.
Bar/Waiting
If you blink, you'll miss her - Lauren is always on the move around our busy pub!
With three beautiful girls, she's a supermum through and through. Kind, caring, and always looking out for everyone, Lauren treats the team like an extension of her family, and we love her for it.
Bar/Waiting
If you've been to the Woodbridge during the week you will have definitely met our Mand! If you're not seeing her behind the bar with a smile, you'll often see her perched on the other side after a busy shift with either a Guinness or a glass of white.
She's been here since we first opened and we're so happy she's stayed. If she's not working she'll often be jetting off on holiday or spending time with her daughter and grandkids. We love you Mand, keep up the great work!
Bar/Waiting
This is Simon. You'll usually find Si serving behind the bar. He's our running enthusiast and proud Shifnal Strider, with over 25 years of hospitality experience, including managing a bar at the Isle of Wight Festival. Along the way, he's even met a few famous faces, including Jodie Marsh and Duran Duran.
If you don't see him behind the bar, there's a good chance he's making your desserts in the kitchen. We do love a multi-talented queen!
Head Chef
Sweetness and spice and all things nice - nthat's Oje, both in his cooking and his personality.
Joining the B&P team back in 2019, Oje brought his cool-as-a-cucumber nature to the kitchen. As a chemistry graduate from the University of Hull, his interest in creating a sparkling reaction led him to the world of gastronomy. However, Oje's passion for cooking started much further back, watching his grandma create magic in the kitchen with her signature jollof rice!
He's recently brought a new light to the Woodbridge after joining over Christmas 2025.
