- Town Areas
- Bear Steps
Bear Steps
Bursting with historic architecture and street names you want to say out loud.
About Bear Steps
Connecting Pride Hill, the High Street, Wyle Cop and St Mary’s, the Bear Steps area encompasses many of Shrewsbury's most historic streets, including Butcher Row, Fish Street and Grope Lane.
The area is home to many of Shrewsbury’s independent eateries and shops. Explore vintage fashion, stylish homeware, pick up the perfect gift and more. Quench your thirst at traditional pubs or quirky cocktail bars, and eat around the world with food hailing from all corners of the globe.
Notable history
Historically, the area was filled with traditional traders which gave the surrounding streets many of their names; Butcher Row, Fish Street, Grope Lane. Bear Steps itself is named for The Bear Inn Pub which sat on the corner of Fish Street and Grope Lane. Although local legend claims the area was historically home to one of Shrewsbury’s bear pits.
At the centre of Bear Steps sits two of Shrewsbury’s five churches; St Alkmund’s and St Julian’s. Founded in 902, St Alkmund’s Church stands at the highest point in town, read more about it here. St Julian’s tower dates from the 12th century, and the present nave was designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard who also designed the Iron Bridge at Telford.
so many places to see
Courtyard Collective
The nature of work is changing; work, personal and social lives are no longer separate. Our workspace makes for the perfect environment for creators…
Bull Inn
The Bull Inn is located on Butcher Row, right in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. The Bull Inn has seven rooms available, which provide excellent…
Open Today 9:00AM - 12:00AM
Pengwern Books
Pengwern Books is an independent bookshop located on Fish Street in the heart of Shrewsbury. It has been serving book lovers in the town and beyond…
Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Itadakizen
Itadaki means 'to take the food life'; Zen means 'to fix, to mend'. What you eat not only affects your day-to-day health but also helps to determine…
Number Four
Number Four is a cafe and bistro in the heart of Shrewsbury. Found off the main shopping street of Pride Hill on the old cobbled Butcher Row. You…
Open Today 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Prince Rupert Hotel
Situated in the very heart of medieval Shrewsbury, the historic Grade II listed Prince Rupert Hotel is firmly established as one of the town's finest…
Philpotts
Philpotts is an award-winning sandwich retailer, situated in the beautiful 15th-century Abbotts House in Butcher Row.The business was founded in 1985…
Open Today 8:30AM - 2:45PM
White Orchard
Often described by customers as an Aladdin’s Cave, White Orchard is nestled into the ground floor of the historic timber-framed Abbots House at the…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
The Loggerheads
The Loggerheads is a traditional beer house, selling good food and real ale. Situated on the corner of St Mary's Street and Church Street, the…
Open Today 12:00PM - 11:00PM
Vanitas Tattoo
Vanitas Tattoo is a friendly, professional tattoo studio based in the centre of Shrewsbury. Opening hours can be flexible on request - contact…
Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM
so many things to do
Shrewsbury Restaurant Week 2026
Shrewsbury Restaurant Week celebrates Shrewsbury as a foodie’s heaven. Other cities and towns have Restaurant Weeks, but - like everything we do in…
Xuan Wu Trio
Chamber music from Manchester-based young musicians – enjoyment guaranteed!
Hwan Hee Kim (piano)
Korean musicologist and pianist Hwan Hee Kim is already making a name for himself as a student and exponent of the ‘Korean sound’ of…
Joao Correia (saxophone)
Portuguese saxophonist Joao is currently studying as a post-graduate at the Royal Northern College of Music. We welcome him on his first visit to…
Gema Lu (piano)
Another good friend of St Alkmund's concert series, Gema is back with a new programme to usher in the Christmas season.
Dominic Downs (piano)
More classical music from Dominic Downs, a former Chetham’s pupil who has since studied at the RNCM with Murray McLachlan and at the Royal College…
Gaudete!
Rejoice with us as we bring you many of our good friends to celebrate Christmas in music in support of three local charities – including the St…
Taso Kipiani (piano)
From Tbilisi, Georgia, St Alkmunds' last recitalist of the year is Taso, now based in London as a double scholar at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
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