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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…

Open Today 6:00PM - 10:00PM

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Eat & Drink

The Shrewsbury Hotel

The Shrewsbury Hotel is located opposite the Welsh Bridge and River Severn. It is a J D Wetherspoon hotel, offering superb quality, choice and value,…

Open Today 8:00AM - 12:00AM

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Shop

Mind Shop

A high-quality charity shop in Shrewsbury town centre supporting the work of mental health charity Mind. We're raising money and awareness for Mind…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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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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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…

Open Today 8:30AM - 4:30PM

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Shop

PennyPlain

Founded as a market stall in Widnes in the 1960s and now expanding onto high streets around Britain, PennyPlain is building a name for itself for its…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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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

Music Bros
Shop

Music Bros

Music Bros is a music equipment retailer situated on Roushill Bank, renowned for offering a big selection, big names, great service and great prices.…

Open Today 9:30AM - 5:30PM

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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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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 11:00AM - 12:00AM

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