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Bear Steps

Bursting with historic architecture and street names you want to say out loud.

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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.

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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

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Live & Work

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…

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Shop

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

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Eat & Drink

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

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Eat & Drink

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

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Hotel

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…

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Shop

The Enchanted Labyrinth

The Enchanted Labyrinth is your go-to for spells, crystals & gifts. Like the magic shop of your dreams, it contains a divination department,…

Open Today 10:30AM - 4:00PM

Bear steps gallery
See & Do

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

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Eat & Drink

The Three Fishes

The Three Fishes is a CAMRA-approved pub with a cosy, friendly atmosphere, which provides a warm welcome to anybody. The timber building, dating…

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Eat & Drink

Philpotts

Proudly taking part in Shrewsbury Restaurant Week 2025 with the following offers:A soup, a roll and a can of drink for £5 2 meal deals (2 sandwich, 2…

Bear steps gallery
See & Do

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

so many things to do

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