The Fighting Cocks

High Street, Stottesdon, Shropshire

01746 718270

Built through funding from the Government's Pub is the Hub scheme and a loan from the nearby Hobson's Brewery, this freehouse is very much at the heart of the community, and even has a shop and post office attached.

While the core trade comes from drinks sales both from locals and holidaymakers, there is a strong emphasis on home-cooked food, which is sourced locally. The shop also sells locally-sourced produce from small suppliers, such as fruit and veg, smoked cheeses and salmon from a local smoke-house and various deli items. Licensee Sandra Jefferies says: 'Having the shop next door not only brings in extra customers who pop in for a quick drink after their shopping, but it also brings in a nice sort of customer who is interested in supporting local initiatives.

Customers tend to be in their mid-20s upwards, due to the fact that the pub doesn't have a pool table, Jefferies adds. But pool table aside, the pub certainly does its bit for the community: there is a computer with internet for general use, live-music events once a fortnight, as well as darts and dominoes matches. Charity events include quizzes, a fireworks' night, and a music festival on a field near the pub. Village meetings also take place at the pub, such as the local shooting club, and a police surgery where people can grill the local officers about any concerns they might have.

The pub holds an occasional licence for weddings, birthdays and various parties, which can be held in the pub's function room or small garden.

The real-ale selection includes Hobson's and Erdinger on draught.