In small communities that live in the countryside or isolated areas, there is usually a place that acts as a community center and gathering place.

It is a place of celebration and commiseration, to enjoy life and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us, to chat and have a drink.

Ratlinghope Bridges is a place that has become the center of the community, nestled on the western edge of the Long Mynd and popular with visitors by car and on foot.

THE pub has been in the hamlet for a few hundred years and, over time, has been a store and blacksmith, but has been best known as a pub, notably as part of the Three Tuns Brewery estate.

Now privately owned as part of the Linley Estate, the Bridges has undergone a refurbishment this year, but still retains much of its old character, with a spacious and airy dining room, a cozy little bar and another pleasant room overlooking the garden. .

Outside there are a large number of tables at the front, overlooking the East Onny River, as well as a secluded rear garden bordering the Darnford Brook.