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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

Peter Lowbridge The Walrus June132025 8047
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…

The lantern protection
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

Kau Poke
Eat & Drink

Kanu Poké

Kanu Poke is your go-to for vegan and gluten-free Pacific fusion! We love Fish! That's why we don't eat them. Poké is a Hawaiian dish, traditionally…

Open Today 11:00AM - 5:00PM

390 sam 9943
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

211 sam 9951
Eat & Drink

The King's Head

The Kings Head is one of the oldest and best-known pubs in the county town, located on Mardol, close to the River Severn and surrounded by shops and…

Open Today 10:30AM - 10:00PM

You Beauty
Live & Work

You Beauty Salon

Our Beauty Buisness started in our sister salon ‘Fusion Hair & Beauty’ which you can see from our new salon window just across the road. For 14…

Open Today 5:00PM - 8:30PM

170803 base hill wicket childs ercall 026 min
Live & Work

Base Architects

Multi award winning Architectural Practice established in 2003. Offering a wide range of design and technical services in architecture, urban design…

Open Today 8:45AM - 5:30AM

206 sam 7018
Shop

Jessops

Jessops is the largest photographic retailer in the UK. Whatever they're looking for, customers have a huge range of cameras, camcorders, camera…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Watson and thornton
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

305 shrewsburybid new 39
Shop

Rohan Designs

There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Rohan is your constant companion for every journey, whatever the journey. Rohan is an…

Open Today 9:30AM - 5:30PM

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