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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 10:00AM - 5:30PM

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Eat & Drink

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
Shop

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

La lanterna
Eat & Drink

La Lanterna

Serving a little bit of Italy to Shrewsbury since 1996 La Lanterna is a small Italian Restaurant situated in Shrewsbury Town centre, in THE OLD…

Open Today 12:00PM - 9:00PM

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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 - 12:30AM

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Live & Work

Clarkes Solicitors

Clarkes Solicitors is one of Shropshire's leading law firms with five offices around the county. Clarkes has an excellent reputation for providing…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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Eat & Drink

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 9:30AM - 11:00PM

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Eat & Drink

St Vincent Shrewsbury

PROUD TO JOIN RESTAURANT WEEK 2025 WITH THE FOLLOWING OFFERSSmall Plate & Glass of Wine for £103 Small Plates for £152 Course Menu for £20 3…

Open Today 10:00AM - 11:00PM

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Shop

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

so many things to do

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Music

Carducci String Quartet with baritone Roderick Williams

An evening dedicated to Schubert with international baritone and award-winning quartetFranz Schubert String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 125,…

10 October
7:30pm - 10:30pm
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History & Heritage

History Group - World War 2

History Series 5, Lecture 3: World War 2Come join us at the Bear Steps Art Gallery and Medieval Hall for an unforgettable experience diving into the…

19 October
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Whisky tasting
Dine & Drink

Whisky Tasting: The Peaty One!

3rd October | 31st OctoberIt's October again and that means it's time for our annual Islay peaty whisky tasting! This year, as always, we'll be…

3 October - 31 October 2025
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Restaurant week
Dine & Drink

Shrewsbury Restaurant Week 2025

Shrewsbury Restaurant Week celebrates Shrewsbury as a foodie’s heaven. Other cities and towns have Restaurant Weeks, but - like everything we do in…

25 October - 2 November 2025
9:00am - 11:00pm
Whisky tasting
Christmas

Whisky Tasting: Christmas Crackers

We know it's only November but join us for a tasting where we focus on some whiskies that would be cracking additions to your Christmas fare.The…

14 November
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Bear steps gallery
History & Heritage

History Group - The Modern Period

History Series 5, Lecture 4: The Modern PeriodJoin us for a journey through the cultural impact of the post-World War II era. Explore various art…

16 November
4:00pm - 6:00pm
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History & Heritage

History Group - The Grand Finale

History Series 5, Lecture 5: The Grand FinaleCome join us for the grand finale of our history series at the Bear Steps Art Gallery and Medieval…

14 December
4:00pm - 6:00pm

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