Pub goers in Ludlow might have been forgiven for doing a double take as pop star Paul Heaton was spotted in their local.

Former Housemartins and Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton captured a photo diary of a trip to south Shropshire at the end of last week which featured several visits to pubs and a few breweries.

The 62-year-old has a great love for pubs across the country, having put £1,000 behind the bar of 60 pubs for his 60th birthday on May 9, 2022, as well as a crisp packet collection stretching back to the 1980s.

Paul Heaton posted this photo outside the The Bridges in Ratlinghope. Photo: Paul Heaton

placeholder image — Paul Heaton posted this photo outside the The Bridges in Ratlinghope. Photo: Paul Heaton

The singer posted several times on social media to show his stops on the trip, starting at The Bridges in Ratlinghope on Thursday, where he had a pint from the Three Tuns range, as well as a bag of Two Farmers Herefordshire Sausage and Mustard.

It was a pint from the Three Tuns range and some meaty crisps in Ratlinghope. Photo: Paul Heaton

Interacting with fans over social media, he said: "Anyone recognise this beauty from the 2010 Pedals and Pumps Tour?

"Wasn't called that 15 years ago. Great pint and crisps."

The Charlton Arms offers great views of the River Teme. Photo: Paul Heaton

Friday saw the Happy Hour Again singer add to his famous crisp packet collection further by visiting the Charlton Arms for another Two Farmers bag, this time Hop Cheese and Onion flavour, and a pint of Hereford Pale Ale from Wye Valley Brewery.

The Charlton Arms provided a pint of Hereford Pale Ale and more Two Farmers. Photo: Paul Heaton

He also visited the Wheatsheaf Inn for a Butty Bach from Wye Valley and a bag of Prawn Cocktail crisps from Burts, as well as posing for a photo with a member of staff behind the bar.

Manager Karen Johnson said she had been very surprised to see Paul Heaton in her pub, but said it was great for the pub and the town to have him there alongside another big name.

Paul visited the Wheatsheaf twice during his visit to Ludlow. Photo: Paul Heaton

Paul Heaton enjoyed posing for pics with the staff at the Wheatsheaf. Photo: Paul Heaton

She said: "It was really lovely to have him there and for him to put it on social media and if he wants to come down and have a bite to eat, he's more than welcome to do so.

Burts Prawn Cocktail and a pint of Butty Bach were the order of the day in Ludlow. Photo: Paul Heaton

"I'm glad he liked the beer as I'm a stickler for keeping my beer well and it's nice to have him in there, plus it's another celebrity as we get Alastair McGowan in as he lives locally.

Hobsons Pale Ale was a drink of choice during his visit. Photo: Paul Heaton

"I do love the Housemartins as well and I absolutely loved Caravan of Love, plus all the Beautiful South stuff he did back in the day."

Paul took a closer look at the brewing process at Ludlow Brewery. Photo: Paul Heaton

The final day of his tour on Saturday saw Paul Heaton take a tour of the Ludlow Brewery, with a pint of Gold and Farmers Folds Bullshot crisps, then back onto the Church Inn for a pint of Hobsons Pale Ale and a bag of Tyrells British Beef and Ale crisps.

Paul's tour of the area included a tour of the Ludlow Brewery. Photo: Paul Heaton

He also enjoyed a pint of Ludlow's finest with some Hereford Bullshot crisps. Photo: Paul Heaton

His beer tour of Ludlow culminated with return visits to the Wheatsheaf and the Charlton House for a pint of Timothy Taylor and Burts Lightly Sea Salted crisps in the former and another Hobsons Pale Ale and a bag of pork scratchings in the latter.

It's one of a number of trips Paul has made to the region over the last year, having played two nights at the Halls Wolverhampton due to the demand for tickets to the show.