The easy way to find a restaurant,find dining offers,find an event,find inspiration,make a booking
Share

Water Rat

British, Pub Food • Ironbridge
Sugarvine
4.1/5
(01952) 433193 Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, Shropshire, TF8 7BJ (01952)4…Show
Find Us
Book now
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
4.1
Food 4.0/5
Service 4.3/5
Atmosphere 4.1/5
Value for Money 4.1/5
Read Reviews (409)
Write a Review
View Menus Website

General Enquiry

Contact
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 —
Write a Review
3 /5
3 /5
3 /5
3 /5
5.0
Jim Baker
The food was good and well served. The ambience was exactly what we wanted and we were able to sit and chat for a total of 3 hours (it was a Wednesday). Since we meet only annually this was excellent! But - the bill included a 10% "voluntary" service charge that wasn't drawn to my attention. Who reads their bill in a pub? I have no issue with the overall price - it was excellent value for money - but I want to know if I am paying something voluntarily.
2.5
Sonya
Family Sunday lunch, summed up by my mum’s comment, “I need a toothbrush to get the lunch out of my teeth it was so chewy”! Starters were ok but Sunday roasts were the worst I’ve had for a long time. The meat was dry and tough. The beef on my platter of mixed meats looked like the sole of an old shoe. The cabbage mix and broccoli were ok, but the carrot and swede mash were absolutely swimming in water, came half way up the serving bowl! I did feedback to the waitress so I hope that was relayed to the kitchen staff. The 2/5 score is because the starters were ok, otherwise 1/5 for the roasts
Rosie Passant
Good food. Pleasant staff and lovely surroundings.
Doreen Vaughan
Food was excellent. Fresh, piping hot and well presented.. Staff friendly and welcoming
Philip Challoner
Been to Ironbridge many times but first visit and it won’t be the last. Lovely hosts and the meal was superb.
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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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