The Shoulder of Mutton has celebrated its reopening and refurbishment with a special party – and The Lichfield Blog was invited along. Featuring a new look, new menu and revamped drinks offering, the pub has high hopes for the future.

The bar at Shoulder of Mutton. Pic: Nick Brickett
The bar at Shoulder of Mutton. Pic: Nick Brickett

The refurbishment has really changed the place. Walking in to the bar you are greeted with plush chairs, some of which are furry, and a TV showing the day’s sports. The bar, with stylish pink backlights shows of the good selection of spirits and a closer look reveals a range of wines. The taps offer the usuals like Guinness, Becks and Carling but also the lesser-seen Bombardier real ale, Aspall Suffolk cider, Quartz Blonde, Paulaner Munchen and Staropramen. There’s room for more, too! The fridges tempt you with bottles of Hogan cider and perry, Freedom hand-crafted organic English lager and the usual non-alcohol beverages.

Shoulder of Mutton's Cocktail maker. Pic: Nick Brickett
Shoulder of Mutton's Cocktail maker. Pic: Nick Brickett

As we moved further in, with Joss Stone flowing over my ear drums, the atmosphere of the place became apparent. The delicious combination of the chocolate brown and cool lime gave a modern chill-out feel to the place, while the artwork reminds you of the local roots. There’s plenty of tables and the place is open and light. Highlights have to be the “Rams” and “Ewes” toilets and the pictures on the wall of the local suppliers.

As part of the special launch party, the Shoulder of Mutton’s management laid on a hog roast, seafood Paella and cocktails complete with bottle juggling cocktail maker. All this was outside in the large beer garden. The outside comprises two parts – a decked area with (some wobbly) chairs and tables and then a larger area with picnic tables.

The place was packed with people soaking up the sunshine and taking advantage of the hog roast, Paella and cocktails. Around 300 were expected but it seemed like many more turned up, proving the place popular even before it’s public launch. One tweet who attended commented, “super atmosphere and the terrace was brimming with Lichfield glitterati and even the odd Harley in the carpark! Great cocktails and paella.” We even saw minibus loads of people arrive filling the large car park to the brim. The downside to that was a fair deal of bad parking on the roads surrounding the pub.

We didn’t get a peek at the menu but we are told it changes every week and features organic ingredients sourced fresh from local suppliers. The serving times are as follows;

  • Monday-Thursday: 12-2:30pm and 6-9:30pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12-3pm and 6-10pm
  • Sunday: 12-6pm
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Jonathon Strickland
14 years ago

I would just like to say a massive thankyou to Ross & his team @ the lichfield blog for all their support during the re-opening of the Shoulder (Nick some great photos!) We hope everyone had a fab night on Tuesday & look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Nick
14 years ago

Thank you Jonathon – we look forward to returning in the near future

Poppa
14 years ago

Didn’t even know it had closed! Hey Jon, you keeping it to yourself?

Simon
14 years ago

Nice decor, shame about the food.
Chef doesn’t know how to cook steak!

Nic
14 years ago

Does the Shoulder of Mutton have a website?

Philip John
14 years ago

Doesn’t look like it does I’m afraid, Nic.