The Union Inn can be found on the historic Waterside at Saltash, impressively positioned to the western side of the River Tamar which forms the boundary line between Devon and Cornwall. It lies in the shadows of 2 gigantic bridges; the Tamar Suspension Bridge opened in 1961 to meet the growing demand of motorists, and the Prince Albert Railway Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1859. Equally as dominating a sight as the bridge's, The Union Inn has a striking Union Jack painted and emblazoned over the whole of the front of the pub. It is recorded as having been painted in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of V.E.Day, and not for attention-seeking reasons - although it no doubt draws many a backward glance from those crossing the river by car or rail. The entire east wall of the pub is taken up with a gigantic mural instigated by former Saltash Mayor Peter Stephens, and painted by local artist David Whitley over the course of 3 months. It depicts Saltash through the ages and includes old customers alongside more famous faces such as Sir Francis Drake and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Pictures inside The Union Inn depict the colourful history of the Waterside and how times have changed since the turn of the century. Roundheads and Cavaliers previously fought over Saltash in a series of bloody encounters with one battle alone reputed to have claimed over 700 lives, fight here at the Waterside. Although some may describe it as mildly eccentric, the pub is a hive of activity and does much to support local good causes.
Тип: scenery