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Water Rat

British, Pub Food • Ironbridge
Sugarvine
4.4/5
(01952) 433193 Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, Shropshire, TF8 7BJ (01952)4…Show
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Riverside dining pub with rooms in Ironbridge with gardens down to the river.
+10

About Water Rat

Located in historic Ironbridge on the River Severn, the Water Rat opened in summer 2020 after an extensive refurbishment. This riverside dining pub has extensive gardens leading down to the river path and is the only waterside pub on this side of the Severn with gardens. The fresh, modern décor enhances the features of the original pub and there are six boutique ensuite rooms. The Water Rat is open every day and diners have a choice of relaxed bar eating, a dining room and a large patio and terrace. Expect traditional pub food with daily changing menus and a focus on regional and seasonal. The historic Ironbridge museums and visitor centres are within minutes’ walk of the extensive car park. The White Hart in Ironbridge is a sister venue.

Sugarvine
4.4
Food 4.4/5
Service 4.4/5
Atmosphere 4.2/5
Value for Money 4.4/5
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Opening Times
Mon 12:00 - 14:30 17:30 - 20:00
Tue 12:00 - 14:30 17:30 - 20:00
Wed 12:00 - 14:30 17:30 - 20:00
Thu 12:00 - 14:30 17:30 - 20:00
Fri 12:00 - 17:00 18:00 - 20:00
Sat 12:00 - 17:00 18:00 - 20:00
Sun 12:00 - 18:00 —
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3 /5
3 /5
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4.0
Nicholls
We visited for lunch on 29/07. Service was a bit slow but not horrendous. 3 out of 4 meals served were good and value for money. However, one of us had ‘traditional’ ham, egg and chips. The egg and chips were fine but the ham was a very thin slice that appeared to have come out of a packet from a supermarket, very disappointing.. It was pale, pinky grey in colour and very unappetising to look at. The person who’d ordered it ate it after smelling it first in case, they said it tasted ok, they were hungry!!. At the end, we were asked how everything was, I mentioned the ham. Nothing more was said. I’m hoping word got back to the kitchen because this really wasn’t great. On a positive note, the fish and chips were delicious! We were two couples who ordered together to get our food at the same time. We wanted to pay per couple and it was literally only for the food @ £15 per head so it was easy maths. We’d bought drinks from the bar as we wanted them. The lady serving us pulled a face when we asked to pay per couple. I was a bit surprised at her response if I’m honest. A bit off putting, most groups pay like this so hopefully she’s not like that with everyone. Overall a fairly good experience but a couple of improvements needed.
Liz Nolan
Even though we live in Ironbridge we have never visited but we will certainly make up for that after our visit yesterday lunchtime. What an absolute little gem, we went for the two courses for £15 and I have to say I had the best fish and chips ever, it was hot, beautiful thin batter and brown and crispy chips, absolutely delicious, my husband had the ham, egg and chips which he said was very nice, two great desserts and a lovely hour sitting in the gorgeous garden.
Paul Ferguson
Amazing atmosphere and wonderful staff.had half a chicken and chips followed by Eton mess.amazing products and well cooked.highley recommended and also a nice place to stay Lovely beer garden and a super walk by river.Also a fantastic breakfast in the morning.
Dale
Not the best experience - service was very slow, drinks order was forgotten, and had to request if we could order our desserts having waited about half hour for someone to come over. Main meal food wasn’t cooked very well either. Mushy peas were sloppy and watery and fish could have been cooked a little more. Thought we’d try somewhere different in Ironbridge but very disappointing.
Charles Hughes
We visited on the evening of Friday 17 July 2026. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. Our starters were brought to the table in a timely fashion and were very tasty. Our main meals were also excellent. The portions were good and the food was cooked to our liking. We were unable to try the dessert menu as the starters and main courses were very filling. All in all a good experience was had.
Gordon
We were visiting the area and stayed at a nearby hotel. Having eaten in the hotel we wanted something different and booked The Water Rat for an early meal. We were not disappointed. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The ice cream sundae was particularly spectacular. The offer of a drink and 2 courses for £25 was excellent value. If we return to the area we would certainly eat at The Water Rat again
Chris
Although we were put on the bottom floor whilst they were bringing more tables and chairs down, the food was fantastic as always. My son enjoyed being on our own to start with, however my wife did mention something regards to no atmosphere in the basement. The food always takes centre stage and we will be going again.
Lori
Despite there only being 2 servers, they were very organised and dealt with orders etc in a timely manner. They were welcoming and friendly. Our meals were produced in a short space of time and the food was well cooked. There was a good choice of food on the menu. I would definitely recommend the Water Rat.
Rachel
Simply the most idyllic garden it was so beautiful
5.0
Shenade
Excellent Service, Amazing food, Location fabulous will most definitely be coming again. My steak was cooked to perfection. Highly recommended The Water Rat Inn.
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Water Rat File

Fact File

Main dining room capacity 30
Booking policy Reservations accepted
Max group booking size 20
Function rooms available Yes
Function rooms details 30
Outside dining space Yes
Outside dining details Bar decking for our full menu, or the river gardens for garden menu (not bookable)
Overnight accommodation available Yes
Average 3 course lunch price (excluding drinks) £26
Average 3 course evening meal price (excluding drinks) £30
House wine price £19.50
Wines available 20
Alcohol license Fully licensed

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian catering Some vegetarian main course options
Vegan catering Vegan Food cooked by request only
Halal catering No Halal Food
Wheat/Gluten catering Wheat / Gluten Free food cooked by request only

Family Friendly

Children's menu Yes
High chairs Yes

Disabled Facilities

Wheelchair access throughout facility Yes
Dedicated disabled parking Yes

Additional Information

Wifi Free
Payment by credit card Yes
Payment by debit card Yes
Dogs allowed Yes
Drink without food Yes
Separate bar with seating Yes
Venue overlooking water Yes