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
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 - 8:00PM
White Orchard
White Orchard is a beautiful gift shop, located in the beautiful timber-framed building of Abbots House on Butcher Row, in the heart of historic…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
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
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
Philpotts
Philpotts is an award-winning sandwich retailer, situated in the beautiful 15th-century Abbotts House in Butcher Row. The business was founded in…
Open Today 8:30AM - 2:45PM
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…
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…
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
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 10:00AM - 11:00PM
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
so many things to do
Charity Art Workshop (in aid of Shrewsbury Ark)
The Shrewsbury Ark is a day centre in the heart of Shrewsbury, dedicated to helping homeless and vulnerable people in our community to turn their…
Shrewsbury's Eggcellent Easter Trail
Word on the street is the Easter Bunny has been spotted in Shrewsbury - and left a trail of his most eggcellent chocolate treats behind! Follow the…
Alistair McGowan In Concert
At one time best known for his impressions on television, and as a voice artist with Spitting Image, Alistair is happily building another career as…
A Taste of Shrewsbury Food Tour
Since 2018, Walking Food Tours UK has been curating food and drink experiences that people love. Join us in 2024 for The Taste of Shrewsbury Food…
Charity Art Exhibition (in aid of Shrewsbury Ark)
The Shrewsbury Ark is a day centre in the heart of Shrewsubury dedicated to helping homeless and vulnerable people in our community to turn their…
LOOPFEST
LOOPFEST, at its heart, is about getting lots of folk out and about in the town discovering new music. It’s a community festival that encourages…
Tara Clerkin Trio + Haress
Event 5.0 of Series 2.0 at St Alkmund's Church. TCT borrow jazz, electronica, psychedelia & minimalism to paint beautiful soundscapes.