The Unicorn
Ludlow - Shropshire

About The Unicorn

The Pub

As one would imagine, the Unicorn has a noble beginning and a colourful history. Dating from the early 17th century, when this and the surrounding area backing on to the River Corve, was first developed. Its name is derived from the coat of arms of James VI of Scotland, who, upon becoming James I of England, used the unicorn on the royal coat of arms.

One of the first recorded innkeepers was in the 18th century, Blanch Styche, a woman. The inn was valued in 1750 at the pricely sum of £19 12 schillings, and in 1901 was listed as having a bar, parlour, kitchen, five bedrooms and stabling for four horses. While later, a charge was once brought against the owner for selling adulterated whisky.

The River Corve regularly flooded and there are postcards of customers sitting in the bar, with water lapping around their feet and pints in hand, while empty barrels floated away. In the 1980's the inn had become a nightclub, which was then converted into the dining area, which it still is today.

Following the floods of 2007, it has been reinstated as a traditional 17th century pub with contemporary décor; receiving a Heritage Award for the way it has been conserved.

Receiving the Award

The Heritage Award was presented to Graham in December 2007 by the South Shropshire District Council for recognition of high quality restoration work which signigicantly improved the appearance of the Ludlow Conservation Area in 2007.

Reviews

"...make sure you have an appetite. The portions served in [Ludlow's] pubs of which the best in undoubtedly the Unicorn... are not for devotees of nouvelle cuisine." -Anthony Howard, THE TIMES

"Log fires in the winter and sunny riverside terrace in summer prove very appealing. Both bar and restaurant menus are served at lunch and dinner 364 days a year..." "the candlelit restaurant dining room offers good British and European dishes..." -AA The Pub Guide 2006, PICK OF THE PUBS

"...this prettily placed white-fronted 17th century inn adjoins a row of black and white cottages and the atmosphere is appealling as soon as you walk through the door. The solidly beamed and partly panelled bar with its huge log fire in a big stone fireplace gives a real feel of age..." "Real ales are well kept on hand pump to local and visiting guests." -THE GOOD PUB GUIDE 2006

"Inside are beams, oak panelling and fires in the inglenook - everything you would hope to see." -The Daily Telegraph -THE QUIET PINT 2006

"the River Corve runs at the rear of this inn and there is a small seating area right by the water's edge where you are welcome to eat. The period property with a beamed bar area, oak panelling, and original fireplace with table dotted about, has a pleasant atmosphere. Menus have been carefully thought out and the kitchen is more than able, with always a vegetarian option available. Specials are clearly written on strategically placed slates." -Egon Ronay - GASTROPUB 2006

"Along with well-priced bar snacks, there's some pretty decent tucker. Our pick of the pubs in this attractive town, and the beer is expertly kept." -Alastair Sawday's Special Places, PUBS & INNS OF ENGLAND & WALES 2005

"...visitors will find hospitality and a fine selection of well-kept ales and home cooked dishes. Food is an important part of this business, and in the bar or restaurant, the choice would grace a top restaurant." -Country Living Magazine Guide to Rural England, HEART OF ENGLAND