Remembering this long-lost 'one-off' Hereford pub

Jan and Phil Reynolds with their Pub of the Year plaque in 1992. Image: Hereford Times
Jan and Phil Reynolds with their Pub of the Year plaque in 1992. Image: Hereford Times

MEMORIES of an award-winning but long-lost Hereford pub have been shared by former patrons.

The Salmon Inn on Hampton Park Road was founded in 1956 when the Hereford and Cheltenham Brewery transferred the licence from the Whalebone Inn in Bartonsham.

The once-popular pub was run for more than 35 years by landlord John Jackson and his wife Frankie.

The pub was briefly closed for refurbishment after Mr Jackson's retirement in 1990, reopening in December of that year with Jan and Phil Reynolds, also of the Oxford Arms in Widemarsh Street, at the helm.

The Salmon saw many successes under the pair, winning the title of ‘1991 Herefordshire Pub of the Year’.

Unfortunately however, after many years at the heart of the local community, the pub closed its doors in 2012 and was soon converted into a children’s nursery.

Members of We Grew Up In Hereford have been sharing their memories of the long-lost boozer.

Jane Crosland said: “Loved the Salmon.

“This place was our local and a huge part of mine and my family’s lives for many years.

“Went there as a kid with my parents, crisps and a coke in the conservatory, and frequently as an adult.

“Lived about minutes walk away and the first stop off on my way into town.

“I remember John and Frankie well plus the numerous Landlords that followed.

“Great place that was sadly missed when it closed, it was a one off for sure.”

Margaret Gilbert chimed in, she said: “Frequent user of The Salmon,John and Frankie were mine hosts.

“Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtimes were our favourites.

“Good company and happy memories.”