Historic pub walk brings visitors to Market Drayton and supports museum relocation

Starting at the Market Drayton Museum, guests were welcomed with a special sample from Noble Craft Brewery, a local brewer proudly representing the town’s growing drinks scene. While Noble Craft beers aren’t currently stocked in the pubs on the route, the tasting offered a perfect introduction to Market Drayton’s independent brewing talent. Visitors also had time to explore the museum, including its fascinating displays on the history of pubs in the town.

As part of the wider Make it Market Drayton campaign, funded by Market Drayton Town Council to promote the town as a visitor destination, guests received goodie bags to mark the occasion. And the campaign certainly made an impact — one couple, visiting by canal boat, had spotted the event on Facebook, decided to moor up, and stayed to discover more about Market Drayton and its welcoming pubs.

The walk then set off into town, beginning at the King’s Arms, an 18th-century coaching inn. Once a hub for travellers passing through Market Drayton, its layout still reflects a time when customers paid different prices depending on the comfort of their surroundings — from simple public bars to more refined lounge areas.

Next came the Sandbrook Vaults, a striking Tudor-style building with origins dating back to the 17th century. Rebuilt after the great fire of 1651, the building retains many of its historic features, from exposed timber beams to its distinctive character as a former wine merchant’s cellar — giving the pub its name.

At the Red Lion, now home to Joules Brewery, the group enjoyed not only a wide selection of ales but also a special treat in the boardroom — a tasting of traditional gingerbread, including the famous Billington’s Gingerbread, celebrating Market Drayton’s heritage as the home of the gingerbread man. Guests also explored the pub’s many rooms and took part in a light-hearted hunt for the carved mice hidden within — a nod to the craftsmanship style inspired by the renowned “Mouseman” tradition.

The penultimate stop at the Salopian Star brought a touch of the supernatural. In the beer garden, local patron Des shared his own experiences of unexplained happenings linked to the pub, long associated with ghostly sightings. Tales of shadowy figures and strange occurrences added an extra layer of intrigue to a building already steeped in history, including its past connections to criminal gangs in the 19th century.

The walk concluded at The Crown, a pub with claims stretching back to the Civil War. It is said that King Charles I passed through Market Drayton in 1645, and while he likely stayed nearby, the Crown would have been central to activity in the town. Stories of skirmishes, uneasy stand- offs, and a local commander fleeing in his nightgown brought history vividly to life. Market Drayton itself famously avoided major conflict, with neither side keen to fully occupy the town.

As the afternoon drew to a close, some participants made their way to the nearby bus station after what was widely praised as a thoroughly enjoyable and informative experience.

The event highlighted not only the rich heritage of Market Drayton’s Tudor buildings and historic pubs, but also the vital role these venues continue to play in the local economy and community life.

Due to its success, there have already been requests for more walks, including future routes featuring other much-loved pubs such as the Clive & Coffyne.

Make it Market Drayton hopes to build on this momentum, with more events planned - including activities linked to upcoming History Week at the Museum.