Claire and Terry Rogers have recently taken over the helm at The Black Lion, in Salop Road, with a vision to keep it thriving.

The couple, who met at the Black Lion more than 10 years ago, had always joked with the previous landlords that they would one day own it.

Claire, who worked as a barmaid at the pub in 2002, said they were shocked when the last owners decided to take them up on their offer and sent a text message in December (2012) offering them the pub.

Keen to see it flourish they agreed and are now helping the business to thrive with their fresh thinking.

Terry recently discovered a love of cask ale and found a large proportion of his customers also shared his appreciation.

He decided to start the Cask Club which proved popular with people in and around the town almost immediately.

The club has seen members visit the UK’s oldest brewery, The Three Tuns Brewery in Bishops Castle, and Stonehouse Brewery in Oswestry.

The Rogers are pleased with the club’s popularity and are proud to have made a success of running the pub that they had long been regulars of.

Claire said: “If someone had told me 10 years ago that my name would be above the door of my boss’s pub and that I would be married to one of the customers I would have probably burst out laughing, but this is exactly what has happened.”

“Taking on the pub in the current climate has not been an easy job but the business has continued to thrive. We have always taken care not to upset the regulars with our fresh ideas and believe our new Cask Club is a success.”

“Our customers have really enjoyed the Cask Club and the group has come back in such great spirits. It’s a contagious buzz that soon spreads through the pub to the other customers who are quick to add their name to the next tour.”

Terry said: “It’s nice to be able to offer these experiences to our customers. It’s something different. By giving our customers a chance to try different ales so they know what they prefer, it helps us choose the ales our customers like most.”

The couple have already organised more tours for their Cask Club.