- Town Areas
- Bear Steps
Bear Steps
Bursting with historic architecture and street names you want to say out loud.
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.
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
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
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…
Vanitas Tattoo
Vanitas Tattoo is a friendly, professional tattoo studio based in the centre of Shrewsbury. Opening hours can be flexible on request - contact…
Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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
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…
The Enchanted Labyrinth
The Enchanted Labyrinth is your go-to for spells, crystals & gifts. Like the magic shop of your dreams, it contains a divination department,…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
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…
Number Four
Number Four is a cafe and bistro in the heart of Shrewsbury. Found off the main shopping street of Pride Hill on the old cobbled Butcher Row. You…
Open Today 9:00AM - 4:00PM
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
House of the Rising Sun
The House of the Rising Sun on Butcher Row specialises in Modern Australasian cuisine. The bar's decor blends oceanic blue hues and timeless timber…
Open Today 11:00AM - 11:30PM
so many things to do
Whisky Tasting
Join the team behind Wrekin Whiskies for an evening sampling fine Single Malt Whiskies at the historic Prince Rupert Hotel.
Alex Trolese - Shrewsbury International Piano Recital
Italian pianist Axel Trolese is in Shrewsbury for an excellent programme to cheer up those autumn blues!
History Group Talk: Fame and Fortune
The chaotic but restricted nature of 18th-century politics; significant milestones in Shrewsbury’s electoral past; the fame or infamy of Admiral John…
Personalities and Places
The growing population and the changing ways of crossing the River Severn; the significance of Charles Darwin, Julia Wightman and Thomas Southam in…
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