- 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
La Coupe
La Coupe is a Premium Men's Clothing Store, focusing on exceptional quality and enduring style. Our selection ranges from essential wardrobe items to…
Open Today 11:00AM - 4:00PM
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…
Bear Steps Gallery and Medieval Hall
Shrewsbury Civic Society’s home is at Bear Step’s Hall, St Alkmund’s Place in Shrewsbury. The society campaigns for the preservation, protection,…
Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM
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…
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…
The Pearl Button
A gorgeous boho chic and romantic bridal boutique in the centre of Shrewsbury.
Open Today 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Lads 'N' Dads
Lads 'N' Dads is possibly the best place in Shrewsbury for a gent's haircut, with great cuts and random conversation! From the shop in Butcher Row,…
House of the Rising Sun
The House of the Rising Sun on Butcher Row specialises in Modern Australasian cuisine. The bar's decor blends oceanic blue hues and timeless timber…
Open Today 11:00AM - 11:00PM
St Alkmund's Church
At the heart of the historic and beautiful town of Shrewsbury, founded in the year 912, stands the church of St Alkmund which celebrated its 1100th…
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…
Open Today 11:00AM - 5:00PM
so many things to do
Shrewsbury School Chamber Choir
Vocal music from the “School on the Hill”. This choir in 2025 reached the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition.
Whisky Tasting - Speyside focus
This February we'll be looking at some cracking drams from Scotland's best known whisky region, Speyside.The tasting will start at 7:30pm and be held…
LUCY IRVING (clarinet)
Pop into St Alkmund's at lunchtime to hear Lucy Irving perform on the clarinet.
Whisky Tasting - Speyside focus
This February we'll be looking at some cracking drams from Scotland's best known whisky region, Speyside.The tasting will start at 7:30pm and be held…
CELIA MARGALEF BOQUERA (piano)
Cèlia Margalef Boquera (b.1998) is a Spanish pianist based in London. Cèlia studied at the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu in Barcelona.…
YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM PACKWOOD HAUGH SCHOOL
Pop into St Alkmund's for a lunchtime performance by some of Packwood Haugh School's young musicians.
Whisky Tasting Friday - Independent Bottlers
This March we'll be looking at some of the many independent whisky bottlers is Scotland with a focus on the likes of Gordon & MacPhail and Carn…
Whisky Tasting Friday - Independent Bottlers
This March we'll be looking at some of the many independent whisky bottlers is Scotland with a focus on the likes of Gordon & MacPhail and Carn…
Awen Ensemble + Peiriant
SY.Gigs Event 2.0 of Season 4.0Awen Ensemble are a 7 piece alternative folk-jazz outfit. Meaning ‘poetic inspiration’ in Welsh, the name Awen…
Whisky Tasting - Creative Casks
We are all familiar with the types of casks that the whisky industry has used for many decades, Bourbon, Sherry & Port casks. These days we are…
so many offers
St Vincent Happy Hour
Happy Hour £4 drinks - Tuesday - Friday from 4pm-7pm Select in-house beverages at £4 Cocktails 2 for £12 (same cocktail) Select in-house cocktails…
St Vincent Small Plates Offer
3X Small Plates £15 - Tuesday-Thursday 12-9pm Offer valid for select small plates only.