Telford’s not exactly known for its nightlife. By and large, your best drinking options are pubs. We’re not complaining though – they do pubs pretty well in these parts. But up until recently, the town has had barely had any bars to brag about. Southwater Square has helped to change that. So now, as well as being able to grab a pint in one of the popular locals, you can also make your way to the centre for cocktails.
Nightlife in Telford
Bars
Southwater Square is where you’ll find two of Telford’s favourite bars. The Novello Lounge is a really good, chilled-out place to grab a drink. The decor is pretty eclectic and none of the furniture matches, but it’s got bags of character. Plus, if the weather’s nice, then the front floor-to-ceiling windows fold back so that the entire place opens up onto the terrace. And if you get peckish, they serve food from breakfast right through to dinner. The all-day brunches, buttermilk chicken and burgers are all popular choices.
Around the corner, The Liquor Lab is a bit more of an upmarket option. The stylish cocktail bar’s expert mixologists have mastered an extensive menu of popular choices like Pornstar Martinis, old favourites like Smoked Old Fashioneds and original drinks concoctions – Breaking Bad fans should try the blue sky-coloured ‘Heisenberg’ tequila cocktail.
The Woodbridge Inn
The Liquor Lab
The Woodbridge Inn
Pubs
Telford town centre has historically been a retail hub, which is why many of the pubs are located in the surrounding area. Don’t let that put you off though, these watering holes are the tried and tested hot spots for a swift half.
The All Nations Inn is one of the top pubs in the area. Don’t just take our word for it; the alehouse has been ever-present in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and also has local pub of the year awards too. It’s full of character – and characters – but new visitors are always welcome, especially if you’re not afraid to try the pub’s very own ales that they’ve been brewing on-site since 1832. It’s what you’d call a proper English pub –they only produce a television when there’s an important rugby match on and the only food you’ll find is classic pub snacks, such as sarnies and pork scratchings. The staff are friendly and the cask ale selection is exceptional.
The Grazing Cow is out towards the nearby village of Lawley. It’s a spacious pub with a top selection of beers and cask ales, traditional yet stylish on the inside with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in loads of light. Plus, there’s a patio for when the weather’s nice. The food’s pretty good too – and with their own rotisserie oven, the chicken’s cooked to perfection and is a real crowd pleaser.
The Lion Inn is a great option and conveniently less than a mile from our Telford Central hotel. It recently changed management and has been totally refurbished – from being a bit outdated, it’s now one of our favourite places to grab a drink. It has the benefit of a big beer garden and an outdoor play area for the kids.
The Severn Gorge has built up quite a reputation for its carvery. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better in these parts – particularly at such low prices. The portions are superb, every choice of meat is cooked well and the gravy is gorgeous. Plus, you can wash it all down with a good selection of drinks. We’d particularly recommend trying whichever cask ales happen to be on when you visit; they pick them well.
Of all of Telford’s pubs, The Woodbridge Inn has by far the best view. It’s right on the banks of the River Severn just downstream from The Iron Bridge and the pub itself is nearly as old as the bridge. It’s got a lovely decking area where you can sit and enjoy a drink or some of their fine food. There’s a top selection of ales too, as well as plenty of nooks and crannies where you can retire to sip in peace if you prefer not to sit at the bar.
We’ll finish with a quick mention for The Wickets Inn. It’s got some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet, plus a top selection of beers and ales. What really sets it apart though is the food – or rather, the portions. They are huge. So if you’ve got an appetite, or maybe you somehow managed to forget about lunch, this is for you.
Clubs
As you’d expect, Telford’s club scene isn’t exactly buzzing. But if you’re desperate for a bit of late-night dancing, there are a couple of options for you to choose from. The Ice Lounge Nightclub is a mile or so outside of the town centre and on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open until 6am! They play all genres of music and the drinks are cheap, particularly when you make the most of weekend deals.
Or why not try Club Crush and Oxygen. You’ll find both at Telford Shopping Centre and less than a 10-minute walk from our Telford International Centre hotel. There’s The Three Furnaces too, Telford’s ‘attitude-free bar’ where everyone is welcome.