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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

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

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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

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Live & Work

Maddox & Co

Shrewsbury's largest flexible workspace and co-working community. Maddox & Co has a combination of flexible private office spaces, monthly…

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See & Do

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

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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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Hotel

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…

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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

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Shop

The Pearl Button

A gorgeous boho chic and romantic bridal boutique in the centre of Shrewsbury.

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

so many things to do

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Art

Shrewsbury Summer of Wellbeing

A community led celebration of calm, connection & creativity. Mindful trails, yoga, family fun, workshops, music, pop ups, and more events across…

21 July - 31 August 2025
9:00am - 5:00pm
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History & Heritage

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000…

12 September - 21 September 2025
10:00am - 5:00pm
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History & Heritage

History Group - The First World War & Beyond

History Series 5, Lecture 2: The First World War and beyond.Come join us at the Bear Steps Art Gallery and Medieval Hall for an insightful event…

21 September
4:00pm - 6:00pm
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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
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
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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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