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Mardol, Roushill & Smithfield Road

Home to an exciting mix of independent businesses and some of your favourite high street names.

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About Mardol and the surrounding areas

Stretching from Shrewsbury’s Pride Hill and Shoplatch down to the River Severn, Mardol and its surrounding streets are home to an exciting mix of independent businesses and some of your favourite high street names. Travelling along the River Severn, Smithfield Road connects the West End to the Castle Quarter. Scattered along the way, you can find a number of Shrewsbury’s bars and pubs. Mardol hosts an exciting mix of nationals and independents, it’s not to be missed if you’re a fan of pre-loved shopping and out-of-the-ordinary eateries. Roushill is home to an exciting mix of independent retailers, eateries and health and beauty specialists. Two pieces of contemporary artwork decorate the area. 'Darwin’s Gate' stands at Mardol Head, and 'The Quantum Leap' on nearby Smithfield Road.

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Notable history

Mardol is one of Shrewsbury’s oldest streets, and in Saxon times was home to tradesmen who gained access to the river via long curving gardens. Some of which are still visible in the outlines either side of King’s Head Passage. By the 15th century, Mardol was home to wealthy merchants living in luxury timber-framed buildings, many of which survive to this day. By the 17th century, the area had become Shrewsbury’s red-light district, providing drinking and entertainment for the river boatmen and their crews. And if you’re passing by – make sure to say hello to the Mardol Dragon hanging on the corner of Roushill and Mardol.

so many places to see

Peter Lowbridge The Walrus June132025 8047
Eat & Drink

The Walrus

Featured in The Michelin Guide 2025Nestled in the heart of Shrewsbury in Shropshire, The Walrus offers seasonal fine dining & A La Carte menu in…

Open Today 6:00PM - 10:00PM

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Shop

Number 61

Number 61 boasts a curated selection of products from many of Shropshire's top artists and makers. Discover new and old items in Silver, Gold,…

Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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Eat & Drink

Shrewsbury BBQ & Grill

Brand new to Shrewsbury! Shrewsbury BBQ & Grill offers some delicious BBQ food on the grill such as chicken, lamb, beef burgers, chicken burgers,…

Open Today 3:00PM - 3:00AM

Venue 7
Eat & Drink

Venue 7

Venue 7 is a bar located on the banks of the River Severn in Shrewsbury. It serves premium draught beers, ciders, wines, selection of bottled beers…

Open Today 12:00PM - 12:00AM

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Eat & Drink

The King's Head

The Kings Head is one of the oldest and best-known pubs in the county town, located on Mardol, close to the River Severn and surrounded by shops and…

Open Today 10:30AM - 10:00PM

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Eat & Drink

The Lantern's Protection

The Lantern's Protection serves up a retro pub feel - with patterned carpets, wallpapers, betting machines, pool and darts to boot. An oasis of 90s…

Open Today 11:00AM - 1:00AM

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Eat & Drink

The Ploughboy Cafe

The Ploughboy on Mardol is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast and a coffee in the morning.

Open Today 7:00AM - 5:00PM

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Shop

Ellerker Opticians

Based in the heart of historic Shrewsbury, Ellerker Opticians has been providing friendly and professional eye care for over 20 years. Under new…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:30PM

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Shop

Jessops

Jessops is the largest photographic retailer in the UK. Whatever they're looking for, customers have a huge range of cameras, camcorders, camera…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Kitchen Depot (1)
Live & Work

The Kitchen Depot

The Kitchen Depot Shrewsbury has recently moved into a fantastic new showroom for our customers to browse our stylish kitchen displays and bring…

Open Today 10:00AM - 5:30PM

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