Second Ludlow town centre pub closes but there are hopes it can be saved

The last pints have been pulled at the pub in its current form, but it is hoped it can be saved.

Cedric and Amy Bosi, who own the Charlton Arms at Ludford Bridge, are looking to take over the pub, which dates back to the 15th century.

The ancient inn is the second to shut while undergoing a change in management after the 400-year-old Rose and Crown, just a few doors down, closed for a major renovation in December.

Cedric, who previously worked alongside his brother Claude at the town's Michelin-starred Hibiscus Restaurant, confirmed he was interested in taking over the Church Inn, but said a deal has yet to be finalised.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said it was encouraging the pub was to get a new lease of life. But he said the timing of its closure was worrying as the town geared up for its main tourist season.

He said: "At this stage, there is no news on how long the pub will be closed or what character it will assume when it reopens.

"With the Rose and Crown closed for major refurbishment, this leaves us with two pubs with their lights out in the town centre just as the tourist season builds up.

"The May fair breezes in town at the end of the month. I wonder how the 'wet trade', or drinking, will cope with two pubs down and out.

"And we have lost at least 50 covers, eating, on the food front," he said.

The Grade-II listed Rose and Crown closed among some acrimony as former tenant landlord Paul Kemp, also Ludlow's deputy mayor, left what he said was a thriving business after he said there were too many uncertainties about the pub's future.

Joule's Brewery bought the ancient timber-framed pub in Church Street in 2013 and following Mr Kemp's departure is now carrying out a renovation and restoration of the pub.