- 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
St Vincent Shrewsbury
St Vincent Shrewsbury is a wine bar, restaurant and shop located on Fish Street. Enjoy delicious food and wine is a chic and dog friendly space.
Open Today 10:00AM - 11:00PM
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…
Open Today 10:00AM - 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…
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
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
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
Maddox & Co
Shrewsbury's largest flexible workspace and co-working community. Maddox & Co has a combination of flexible private office spaces, monthly…
Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM
The Pearl Button
A gorgeous boho chic and romantic bridal boutique in the centre of Shrewsbury.
Open Today 10:00AM - 3:00PM
so many things to do
Extended History of Shrewsbury Series 1 Episode 5: Norman Society
Social structures and the Domesday Book, the power of the Church, the founding of Shrewsbury Abbey, other religious houses in Shropshire and facts…
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…
Extended History of Shrewsbury Series 1 Episode 4: The Norman Conquest
The Normans and resistance to Norman rule, the purpose of the castle, the early days of Shrewsbury Castle, the legend of Edric the Wild, Roger de…
Exhibition: Ffeisty Ffelters
Annual exhibition of all things felted, centring around the theme of 'Change.' Main Gallery.Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.
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.
Exhibition: Arthur Philip
Balcony & Link room. Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.
Exhibition: John Willetts & Pat Griffiths
Exhibition of watercolours by John Willetts & Pat Griffiths. Main Gallery.Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.
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…
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