- 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…
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
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
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
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
1809 Shoppe of Gifts
1809 Shoppe of Gifts on Butcher Row offers a stunning selection of thoughtful, locally-produced gifts from the Shropshire area. Named for Shrewsbury…
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 - 11:30PM
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…
so many things to do
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…
Spring Exhibitions at The Bear Steps Gallery
We have three very unique exhibitions taking place. In the Main Hall we have fumage artist Caroline North. Caroline paints detailed wildlife images…
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.
Greg Foat + Ayo Salawu supported by Ocean Ivy
Event 7.0 of SY.Gigs Season 2.0 Greg Foat is one of the UK's leading jazz pianists, composers and music producers. He's worked with a diverse…
Shrewsbury Arts Trail 2024
From July 1st to August 31st, Shrewsbury will be a hub of creative activity with the return of Shrewsbury Arts Trail, featuring some very famous…