Bear steps 1

Bear Steps

Bursting with historic architecture and street names you want to say out loud.

Bear steps 2

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.

Bear steps 1

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

IMG 2879
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

Studio square 2
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…

The pearl button bridal shrewsbury
Shop

The Pearl Button

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

Open Today 10:00AM - 3:00PM

61861622 2060841434026728 1556633325030866944 o
Eat & Drink

Itadakizen

Itadaki means 'to take the food life'; Zen means 'to fix, to mend'. What you eat not only affects your day-to-day health but also helps to determine…

385 sam 9894
Eat & Drink

The Loggerheads

The Loggerheads is a traditional beer house, selling good food and real ale. Situated on the corner of St Mary's Street and Church Street, the…

Open Today 12:00PM - 11:00PM

Bear steps gallery
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

102 shrewsburybid new 82
Live & Work

Clarkes Solicitors

Clarkes Solicitors is one of Shropshire's leading law firms with five offices around the county. Clarkes has an excellent reputation for providing…

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

36733009 2242232292461422 534728032556941312 o 1
Eat & Drink

The Libertine Cocktail Bar

Good times are rarely a coincidence. To guarantee a good time every time, you need the perfect measure of a few crucial things. The right mood, music…

Open Today 3:00PM - 11:30PM

396 sam 9997b
Eat & Drink

The Three Fishes

The Three Fishes is a CAMRA-approved pub with a cosy, friendly atmosphere, which provides a warm welcome to anybody. The timber building, dating…

Dsc4119 0
See & Do

St Alkmund's Church

At the heart of the historic and beautiful town of Shrewsbury, founded in the year 912, stands the church of St Alkmund which celebrated its 1100th…

Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM

so many things to do

Carducci string quartet
Music

Carducci String Quartet with baritone Roderick Williams

An evening dedicated to Schubert with international baritone and award-winning quartetFranz Schubert String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 125,…

10 October
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Solent dash shrewsbury art exhibition
Art

Shropshire Art Society Autumn Exhibition 2025

Monday 29th September, see the Shropshire Art Society open the doors to the Autumn Exhibition 2025 at Bear Steps Gallery, 2 St Alkmonds Pl,…

29 September - 11 October 2025
10:00am - 4:00pm
Bear steps gallery
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
Whisky tasting
Dine & Drink

Whisky Tasting: The Peaty One!

3rd October | 31st OctoberIt's October again and that means it's time for our annual Islay peaty whisky tasting! This year, as always, we'll be…

3 October - 31 October 2025
7:30pm - 9:30pm
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
Whisky tasting
Christmas

Whisky Tasting: Christmas Crackers

We know it's only November but join us for a tasting where we focus on some whiskies that would be cracking additions to your Christmas fare.The…

14 November
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Bear steps gallery
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
Bear steps gallery
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

Join our newsletter

From inspiring business case studies to the latest news about working and investing in Shrewsbury, sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on work in Shrewsbury.