- 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
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…
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
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 - 11:00PM
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…
Open Today 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Lads 'N' Dads
Lads 'N' Dads is possibly the best place in Shrewsbury for a gent's haircut, with great cuts and random conversation! From the shop in Butcher Row,…
Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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
Maddox & Co
Shrewsbury's largest flexible workspace and co-working community. Maddox & Co has a combination of flexible private office spaces, monthly…
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 10:30AM - 6:00PM
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…
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
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.
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…
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…
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…
so many offers
St Vincent Happy Hour
Happy Hour £4 drinks - Tuesday - Friday from 4pm-7pm Select in-house beverages at £4 Cocktails 2 for £12 (same cocktail) Select in-house cocktails…
St Vincent Small Plates Offer
3X Small Plates £15 - Tuesday-Thursday 12-9pm Offer valid for select small plates only.
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.