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Mardol, Roushill & Smithfield Road

Home to an exciting mix of independent businesses and some of your favourite high street names.

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About Mardol and the surrounding areas

Stretching from Shrewsbury’s Pride Hill and Shoplatch down to the River Severn, Mardol and its surrounding streets are home to an exciting mix of independent businesses and some of your favourite high street names. Travelling along the River Severn, Smithfield Road connects the West End to the Castle Quarter. Scattered along the way, you can find a number of Shrewsbury’s bars and pubs. Mardol hosts an exciting mix of nationals and independents, it’s not to be missed if you’re a fan of pre-loved shopping and out-of-the-ordinary eateries. Roushill is home to an exciting mix of independent retailers, eateries and health and beauty specialists. Two pieces of contemporary artwork decorate the area. 'Darwin’s Gate' stands at Mardol Head, and 'The Quantum Leap' on nearby Smithfield Road.

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Notable history

Mardol is one of Shrewsbury’s oldest streets, and in Saxon times was home to tradesmen who gained access to the river via long curving gardens. Some of which are still visible in the outlines either side of King’s Head Passage. By the 15th century, Mardol was home to wealthy merchants living in luxury timber-framed buildings, many of which survive to this day. By the 17th century, the area had become Shrewsbury’s red-light district, providing drinking and entertainment for the river boatmen and their crews. And if you’re passing by – make sure to say hello to the Mardol Dragon hanging on the corner of Roushill and Mardol.

so many places to see

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Eat & Drink

The Walrus

Featured in The Michelin Guide 2025Nestled in the heart of Shrewsbury in Shropshire, The Walrus offers seasonal fine dining & A La Carte menu in…

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Shop

The Lighting Shop

The Lighting Shop really does do exactly what it says on the tin! The store on Mardol sells a range of wall lights, lampshades, ceiling lights and…

Open Today 9:30AM - 5:30AM

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Shop

Art Framing

Art Framing was established in 1991 and has been Shrewsbury Town Centre's premier picture framing shop for 30 years. We offer a huge range of frames…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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Live & Work

BodyTech Health Club

BodyTech is Shrewsbury's longest-running health club, offering extensive state-of-the-art training equipment, fitness classes and personal training…

Open Today 8:00AM - 8:00PM

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Eat & Drink

Café M73

Located in a Grade II listed property on one of Shrewsbury's most historic streets, Café M73 offers Moroccan specialty coffee and bites, alongside…

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Eat & Drink

Pizza Express

Pizza Express is an Italian Restaurant that has been serving delicious pizza since 1965. The spacious, modern restaurant on Mardol offers Italian…

Open Today 11:30AM - 10:00PM

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Shop

Watson & Thornton

Started after the second world war by Bill Thornton, the present owner's father, trading at Wellington market, the business grew steadily over the…

Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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Eat & Drink

The Ploughboy Cafe

The Ploughboy on Mardol is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast and a coffee in the morning.

Open Today 7:00AM - 5:00PM

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Eat & Drink

La Mer Rouge

Newly relocated to Mardol Head, La Mer Rouge is Shrewsbury's premier seafood restaurant! Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine including fresh fish and…

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Eat & Drink

The Lantern's Protection

The Lantern's Protection serves up a retro pub feel - with patterned carpets, wallpapers, betting machines, pool and darts to boot. An oasis of 90s…

Open Today 11:00AM - 11:30PM

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