In the first weeks of 2026, the warehouse has moved a couple of steps closer to un-bricking those big ground floor windows and creating attractive, waterside table alcoves inside for diners to look out across the canal arm. The renovation plans also show more tables are planned on the two upper floors.
During the past two months, the required, pre-start, permission condition documents have been submitted to Shropshire Council. There’s a photo survey and a schedule of work. A huge amount of work is needed because the structure has seriously deteriorated since 2012, when this photo was taken. But, going back further, IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch was once able to hold a public canals meeting up on the first floor.
Maybe, following these recent actions, we shall soon be able to welcome a second canal warehouse/café conversion in Shropshire after the recent opening of a café in a former warehouse at Wappenshall.
Ellesmere has waited a very long time for this heritage restoration and it may yet be a while longer before you can book a table. Let’s hope the builders remember to arrange something to stop winding narrowboats from crashing in to those cosy window tables!
