See inside the Black Country inn run by popular couple who'd never managed a pub before

The Bridge Inn in Kingswinford has been run since September 2021 by Sharon and Steve Osborne and has become a must-see venue for anyone who likes the beers from Black Country Ales.

The Bridge was first licensed in 1845 when James Bowdler was the landlord, who was also a blacksmith, and was named the Bridge either due to the historic bridge over Dawley Brook or the bridge over Kingswinford to Wolverhampton main road, which carried the Pensnett mineral railway.

The Osborne's are the 45th licensees of the pub, and what makes their story unique is that they had never run a pub before taking over the licence in 2021.

Sharon says the couple, who lived in Willenhall at the time, had enjoyed drinking in a Black Country Ales pub in the town and, after changes in their working life, decided to go for getting their own watering hole, albeit not without having to jump a few hurdles in the process.

She recalls: "I'd previously been working in an office and Steve at a foundry and we used to drink in a pub in Willenhall, and I think the idea about running a pub came from being in that pub. Although I left one job and started another, the idea was always in the back of my mind and, one day, we decided to just apply.

"However, at the time, we were told that we didn't have any experience and to go away, so we took it upon ourselves to go to different Black Country Ales pubs and do unpaid work to get that experience.

"Once we did that, we went back and applied again and they were happy to have us, first offering us a pub in Burton upon Trent, which was too far away, but then the Bridge came up."

To prepare for their roles, Steve did his training at the Vine and Sharon did her training at the Black Country Arms in Walsall and have used that experience and their own love of beer to make the pub a welcoming place.

Having never been to Kingswinford before taking over the Bridge, the couple have settled into the community and been fully accepted by the customer base, who were very receptive to their ideas.

Sharon says: "We were quite lucky as the pub has a large and great customer base and we got to know the locals and want they wanted and we've introduced cheese nights and raffles and we've got a darts team.

"We've also done work with a local school and I think it's been great to be accepted by the community."

The pub itself is a warm and inviting place to visit, with many regulars who come from near and far to soak in the atmosphere, the real fires and enjoy the well-kept ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks on sale along with cobs, pork pies and other snacks.

It’s a dog-friendly pub and children are allowed in up to 7pm, 8pm outside in the garden.

The usual range of Black Country Ales are on sale along with a range of up to six guest beers from local breweries and those further afield and two real ciders.

Live music takes place every six weeks inside and outside the pub in the garden when the weather permits and the pub also hosts private functions for up to 50 people and charity events in the garden outside.

The Osbornes have been successful as licensees, having been runners up in this year's Pub of the Year for Dudley and South Staffs CAMRA, and while Sharon says it can be hard work, she would recommend running a pub to anyone.

She explains: "For anyone looking to run a pub, I'd firstly say that it is hard work and it is a lifestyle and even when you are off, you are still on call as someone will always want to speak to you.

"It's hard work getting decent time off, but it's also very rewarding and we have some great staff here and a great community.

"It's been a great experience though and it's something I wouldn't exchange for anything and would recommend to anyone."