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Old Harkers Arms

Right on the Shropshire Union Canal, this red-brick Victorian warehouse ' once run as a chandler's by a certain Mr Harker ' attracts cyclists and other towpath users, but given its central location it also buzzes with city life. The striking industrial interior with its high ceilings is divided into user-friendly spaces by brick pillars and offers fine, unimpeded views of the boats from the tall windows that run the length of the main bar. Walls are covered with old prints hung frame-to-frame, mixed dark wood furniture is set out in intimate groups on stripped-wood floors, there's a wall of bookshelves above a leather banquette at one end, and attractive lamps lend some warmth (as does the resident rescue dog, Ollie); board games. Cheerful staff serve ten cask ales including regulars Phoenix Brunning & Price Original and Weetwood Cheshire Cat Blonde and guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Peerless Oatmeal Stout, Rudgate Ruby Mild and Salopian Oracle plus a trio of craft beers, 130 malt whiskies, a well described wine list with 20 or so by the glass, 45 gins and a dozen farm ciders and perries. Disabled access.