Dog Friendly Pubs in Shrewsbury

Lunchtime Meals

Chez Sophie is a creperie, bar and cafe influenced by the Estaminets of Sophie's home region of Flanders France. and is unique in Shrewsbury. Certainly, one gets the feeling immediately on entering that there’s something foreign about it. Both downstairs and upstairs rooms have that welcoming rustic feel, with wooden tables, some comfy chairs (even some old French cinema seats) and a host of quirky nick-knacks scattered around. Although this is primarily a creperie, and a supplier of milkshakes, beer undoubtedly plays its part in the offering. The range is definitely unusual and thoughtfully created by co-owner Matt who is also an accredited Beer Sommelier. There are bottles – and some cans – from the whole spectrum of continental and other beers. Whilst these are not all bottle conditioned (i.e. real ale in a bottle) a great number of them are And what is refreshing about Sophies is that it’s a place to take the family and each can indulge in maybe a crepe, milkshake, soft drink or indeed a beer. So, lovers of the continental bar environment may well appreciate being here and linger longer. Opens Tuesdays as well during the summer holiday season

Tap & Can

13 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury SY1 2AB

Close to Railway Station

Close to Bus Routes

Opened on the 5th of December 2019 this is the latest addition to the pubs surrounding Shrewsbury railway station. It is a single roomed bar with the bar counter at the far end from the entrance. Four handpumps with an ever changing range of beers, plus as the name suggests craft beers from keg taps and cans. The pub has an off-licence for the sale of takeaway canned beer. The Gents toilet boasts an unusual feature. The rear wall is the exposed stone of the castle foundations and therefore over nine hundred years old.

Albion Bar & Tumbledown Hotel

12 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 2DJ

CAMRA Discount

New ownership by St Annes brewery of Lea Cross in June 2018. During 2020/21, a major renovation took place prior to re-opening and re-naming in May 2021. The two level former interior has gone with the pub now consisiting of one large room with a modern contemporary feel. The bar has moved from the rear of the pub to the right hand side. The toilets are on the same level which has greatly improved access for disabled patrons. Conveniently placed for the railway station, which is literally across the road. Bank Holiday Monday opening from 11:00.

Anchor

137 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JX

Once owned by Wem Brewery, also by Wrekin Brewery of Wellington, the Anchor is a traditional one roomed pub conveniently placed opposite Theatre Severn. The pleasant front area has a mixture of exposed brickwork and wood panelling. At the other end of the bar is a small lounge area with comfy seating and a darts area. There are several TVs showing music/sport dotted around the pub. New management took over in March 2016. They will be known to a number of locals as they previously had a fairly lengthy spell running the Red Barn, so will hopefully add some much needed stability to the pub. They have already instigated a refurbishment which has left the pub smart if fundamentally unchanged in layout. However there are now usually four ales available on handpump. Note the later opening hours on Mondays when the pub & kitchen staff take a well-deserved break!

Armoury

Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH

Lunchtime Meals

Smart riverside bar/restaurant, though the river view in Summer is somewhat obscured by the vigorous growth of willow trees. Owned by the same company responsible for the Old Harkers Arms (Chester) and the Combermere Arms (Burleydam) among others, it has a reputation for being expensive, but unlike many places the reason (ie the quality) is obvious, which softens the blow. Always has several Shropshire ales on offer, though the house beer, Brunning & Price Original, is from Rochdale (Phoenix Brewery). Although quiet in the 'no music' sense, it can get fairly loud at peak times when the general hubbub of people's voices tends to bounce off the bare brick walls. Despite the large bar and prominent presentation of real ale, it is not unusual to find most tables set for eating and wine. Opens with an Elevenses Menu at 10a.m. Eight handpumps, usually all in use though one is normally a Cider. A former Good Beer Guide regular (2001-02, 2004-07). One feature from the early days that now only remnants of survive is the transparent Lamson Tube that was used to convey food orders from the bar to the kitchen! Starting point for the iFootpath 4.5 mile Armoury Trail

Bird In Hand

51 Coton Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 2DP

Very much the traditional two room pub which should be celebrated and not overlooked as it tends to be. Once owned by the nearby Southams brewery which closed in 1966, it is located in the Coton Hill area on the edge of the town centre. Note that once you cross the railway going out of town towards Ellesmere you will not see another pub for about 6 miles. This is largely due to the outer areas of Shrewsbury such as Greenfields having restricted covenants placed on the sale of alcohol by the original landowners who were dedicated to temperance. The traditional bar of the Bird in Hand has darts & pool, the comfortable lounge has proper dining tables and can be accessed from a side entrance or the car park but not directly from the bar. Formerly run by the longest serving licensee in Shrewsbury since 1975 the pub closed in December 2020 and reopened with a new licensee in November 2021.

Boar's Head

18 Belle Vue Road, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury SY3 7LL

Live Music

Sports TV

17th century timber framed building, has been a pub for over 200 years now. Atmospheric locals pub thanks to it's low ceiling. Open bar area with alcove (former snug?). Pictures with a railway theme reflect the days when it was popular with railwaymen due to it's proximity to the former engine sheds nearby. Change of management February 2020. Real ale re-intoduced in July 2020

Boathouse

New Street, Shrewsbury SY3 8JQ

Now describing itself as a 'Riverbar & Grill', this ex Southams half timbered building dating from the 15th century can be reached via a footbridge from the Quarry Park. The low oak beamed interior was refurbished in 2013 and provides a bright and modern look, and from certain parts you can also have a river view. The facilities also include the Boatshed, which is a private function room. Note that prices are at the top end of the local range. Any references to accommodation are just a pointer to the sister venue, the Lion & Pheasant Hotel which is about a mile downstream following the pleasant riverside path (closer to half a mile if the more direct route through the town is taken). A Good Beer Guide regular in the 1980s/1990s, these days most tables are laid out for food showing a change in emphasis. Even so, there is still a choice of interesting, well-kept ales, albeit a tad on the expensive side.

Brick

94 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6BD

Re-opened in February 2018 after a period of closure, a refurbishment and name change back to The Brick. First mentioned in 1780, this former Worthington house has gone under the name of the Bricklayers Arms and the Brick. The original building with its Russian bagatelle board, and stabling for racehorses and greyhounds (the old Shrewsbury racecourse used to be nearby), has long gone and was demolished in the 1930's and rebuilt. Now part of the recently expanding New Brew empire (a very recent addition to the Shropshire brewing scene, based in nearby Newport. Originally Plan B, now known as New Brew). A renovation in 2016 saw major changes. The long front bar counter has been shortened and rotated, giving more space to the front area plus easier contact with the back bar which has also been smartened up. For those familiar with the old pub, the pool room hasn't moved, though the alterations have enabled it to increase in size slightly. Change of manager in July 2018.

Bricklayers Arms

Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8NL

Built by Bass in the 1930's, and acquired by Joule's Brewery in 2009, this is a comfortable two roomed local situated on a prominent street corner. The bulk of the pub consists of two open areas with a small enclosed room on the car park side. The side wall of this room illustrates several examples of brickwork bonding, so is quite educational (it is the Bricklayers Arms after all!). Re-opened in March 2011 after an extensive and tasteful renovation by Joule's. All in all, what was a rather faded place, has now become a successful community pub. In October 2015 an additional room opened following the build of a sympathetically structured extension to the pub. This has greatly increased the seating capacity of the pub, and is called the 'Mayor's Parlour'.

Brooklands

Mill Road, Shrewsbury SY3 9JT

Built in the 1870’s as a retirement home for a wealthy Shrewsbury merchant, this large pub was first licensed in 1931, when it was extended into the building that we see today. The previous owners who took over in December 2012 have now moved on (Nov 2016), the new management team are also responsible for the well-respected Boathouse venue closer to the town centre. Formerly the Brooklands, after refurbishment in mid 2017 the pub re-opened as the Wild Pig. It is a huge barn of a place that needs a lot of customers to make it work properly. The raised area at road level is a traditional bar filled with sports TVs, pool table, dart board and gaming machines. Down a few steps is a large lounge with a range of different tables and seating arrangements. Further on is the restaurant and function room. The massive car park is home to car boot fairs on most Sunday mornings. The local Football League team, Shrewsbury Town, plays nearby, and supporters can pay to park their cars here on match days. New management from November 2019. Renamed Brooklands 2020.

Bull Inn

7 Butcher Row, Shrewsbury SY1 1UW

The Bull is well situated in a pedestrianised street right in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. Reasonably large inside and fully carpeted throughout, the bar is quite comfortable and is provided with a darts board and television. To the rear, there's a pleasant area set up with booths designed principally for dining. However, it is one of those places whose character changes quite a lot between daytime and evening. The emphasis on the food offering during the daytime makes it a pretty placid place. But come some evenings the live music and a more excitable clientele create a much more lively atmosphere! Closed for a lengthy refurbishment during the summer of 2015, but has re-opened with a smart new look.

Bull in the Barne

52-54 The Mount, Shrewsbury SY3 8PW

Formerly the Salopian Brewery tap, and once known as the Windsor Castle some years ago, this terrace pub was re-opened under new ownership in July 2011. As part of the extensive alterations, the internal layout became open plan and the bar was resited. With more comfortable furnishing and a brighter decor, the feel of the place is more of a modern bar than the traditional pub. The location is definitely suburban, but blessed with an extremely attractive vista from the rear of the pub, providing splendid views over the River Severn and the County Showground beyond. However, be warned, although the Showground looks to be at the bottom of the garden, due to the river in-between and the location of the nearest downstream bridges, it is actually about 2 miles away by road or footpath! As the Windsor Castle, it was an early Good Beer Guide entry in 1975, when it was said to be a "friendly pre-war pub". M&B Mild was available, together with "Bass Worthington"

Bull's Head

14 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury SY1 2AB

Closest pub to the railway station avoiding traffic. A major renovation in 2019 saw the central bar moved to the rear of the pub with an increased range of cask beers. The rather tired interior has been overhauled to make a much more welcoming pub. The Wainwright Altitude is chilled through a python at 5C. From the outside take a look at the upstairs window on the right. Its oddly angled position is believed to be caused by the subsidence arising from the pub being built over the town's defensive ditch.

Charles Darwin

Sutton Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6HN

Billed as the 100th pub in Shrewsbury when this estate pub was built by the then Banks's Brewery, opening in 1967. However, the Darwin theme did not originally extend to the pub's sign, as there was some confusion between pictures of Messrs Dickens and Darwin! Happily, Darwin now takes pride of place. After nearly 50 years in the hands of Banks's/Marston's, the Darwin re-opened in early December 2015. The view from the bar window has changed due to the construction of a shop in the car park over the summer of 2016. Free of tie from November 2017. New management September 2020.

Coach

1 Ditherington Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4BG

Real Fire

Originally known as the Comet (this being the name of a stage coach which once serviced Shrewsbury). Unusually sited below road level as the road has been raised since it was built. a pub has been on this site since the late 18th century. It was presumably built to service the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal which dated back to the same time period. The canal crossed the main road just in front of the pub, hence the raising of the road to accommodate the bridge over the canal (known as Comet Bridge). The section of the canal from Comet Bridge into Shrewsbury was finally abandoned in 1939. No Real Ale for many years.

Coach & Horses

23 Swan Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 1NF

Set in a quiet street off the main shopping area, the Coach & Horses provides a peaceful haven. In summer. the frontage is ablaze with its magnificent floral displays. Victorian in style, the pub has a wood-panelled bar, a small side snug area and a large restaurant/lounge. The pub dates back to the early 19th century, it was expanded into the neighbouring building in the 1980s by noted former landlord Roger Goodall (who was immortalised by Salopian Brewery in the 1990s when they produced a limited edition bottle conditioned beer called Goodalls Gold (see picture)). On the opposite corner used to be another pub up until 1820, the Swan, from which the street (Swan Hill) got it's name. (Trivia note: former leader of Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, wrote a song on a 1990s solo album called '23a Swan Hill', a nearby address, inspired by his early life in the town.) The Coach was a very early entry in the Good Beer Guide (GBG) in 1975. Detail was sparse in those days but it was described as a "friendly pub in the centre of town" and Bass/Worthington Bitter and Mild were said to be available. A classic pub, unsurprisingly perhaps it has been a constant presence in the GBG for over 20 years now. Keep an eye open for Happy Hours! Please note that last entry is 11pm (10.30pm Sunday).

Compasses Inn

45 Long Row, Ditherington, Shrewsbury SY1 4DE

Sports TV

Neighbourhood pub serving the immediate community, though strangers are warmly welcomed. The compact bar area is a testament to the sporting prowess of it's regulars, with several tables laid out for dominoes at all times, a dartboard and a prominent sports TV presence along with the obligatory display of sporting trophies. There is also a display as a tribute to local boxing legend Colin Hough who has run the Shrewsbury & Severnside Amateur Boxing Club for over 60 years. Separate lounge with pool table. One changing real ale. Salopian and Conwy breweries noted in 2019.

Coracle

Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RR

Situated in a northern suburb of Shrewsbury, and erected for Ind Coope & Allsop in 1956, the Coracle is popular with families. From the road, the right hand side is a large bar complete with TV and games area. The left hand side is a lounge/family room with direct access to the garden in the summer months. It has recently been re-branded 'The Lounge Steak House & Grill' (though it is still principally just a pub lounge) (Feb 2016). The pub certainly tries to make the most of it's catchment area, as apart from the Heathgates there are no other pubs within the Sundorne Road/Whitchurch Road/Featherbed Lane triangle, an area consisting solely of housing & schools. Recent house beer Dezzie is in honour of the pubs longest visiting customer, Desmond Pugh. It is remarkably similar to Hobgoblin Gold!

House of Grain

59a Wyle Cop,, Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ

Formerly the Cornhouse restaurant which re-opened under a new name and with new owners in June 2017. Based in an old Grade 2 listed Corn Warehouse, it is now a split-level establishment with a ground floor bar and upper level restaurant. The decor reflects its history as a working building, being all tile, wood & metallic fixtures. Four handpumps and six craft ale taps. Now down to 2 handpumps (May 2018)

Cromwell's Inn

11 Dogpole, Shrewsbury SY1 1EN

Small town-centre wine bar and hotel. It was a private house until being converted into the Warwick Hotel in the 1940s. All the tables in the bar are set for diners, but drinkers are welcomed (There is a separate evening restaurant). Opens early for breakfast on Saturdays. The property was sympathetically re-modelled in 2010, but, unusually, the bar frontage is grade 2 listed, so it couldn't be touched. Outside at the back, a small cocktail bar has been added on the middle level, open when weather & demand is suitable. The early morning opening is for breakfast, served up to 11.30; lunch service starting at 12.

Dog & Pheasant

20 Severn Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2JA

Traditional community pub in an early Victorian neighbourhood, Formerly two rooms, part of the dividing wall was removed in Spring 2019. However, the layout of the pub still gives the former lounge a degree of separation from the old public bar. It could once have been a company pub as they have a picture of 1 1/2d tokens which were issued to workers to spend at the bar. Open all day every day, and the addition of a wood-burner gives the front room a more welcoming feel in the Winter months.

Dolphin

48 St Michaels Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2EZ

Acquired by Joule's Brewery in November 2012, and reopened in August 2013 after a major renovation. The idea was to create a traditional ale house, and it's clear that the thought and passion that has gone into the project has produced the desired result. They have taken a basic three roomed layout, and with the use of reclaimed material, old photos, clever artwork and the retention of original features, have reproduced an updated but unashamedly old fashioned community local. So for example, we have the original floorboards and tiling, working gas lights, a fireplace, and leather benches. A couple of the beer pumps are quirky too. One is retro 1950's Joule's, the other is the working end of a fire hose. This, and some of the artwork, recognizes that the fire station and the Ditherington Flaxmill are near neighbours. The Flaxmill is famous as the world's first iron-framed building, built in 1797. (It was later used as a Maltings, supplying malt to Ansells up until 1987). The pub was owned by Trouncers, a local Shrewsbury brewery for a time, and also had a spell as a microbrewery prior to Joules taking over. A Good Beer Guide regular in the 1990s, it's future looked bleak during a prolonged closure, but Joules have re-invigorated the place, successfully developing the sort of character that the owners were aiming for. The food at The Dolphin is a contrast to the traditional aesthetics of the pub, offering a modern fusion of worldly flavours. The style of dining is more like a "pop up kitchen" rather than restaurant, with an informal and relaxed approach. A third Joules ale is normally on, usually Slumbering Monk but often replaced by the seasonal ale when it is available. New management since April 2017.

Grove

147 Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7NN

Long thin pub with a long thin garden. Pool room at rear, bar area extends to the front window (though the pleasant looking window seat tends to be reserved for the pub dog). However there is a similar seat in the recently refurbished small lounge/snug on the left as you enter the front door. Popular for TV sport, several screens are dotted around the pub. For a time the pub was tied to local brewer Soames of Wrexham. Soames later became one of the breweries which amalgamated to form Border Breweries in the 1930s. New management from Jan 2019.

Harry Hotspur

Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 3AT

Large suburban pub on the edge of town. A comfortable brick based structure built by Banks's in the late 1980s on the site of the former Derricks Club (infamous in the memory of many locals for various reasons). Two handpumps, with one changing beer from the Marston's range.

Heathgates

2 Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4DW

Large suburban 1930s pub by a busy traffic island. Named after a small area of the northern approaches of the town, as a result it is probably the only pub in the country with that name (unique pub names are not as common a distinction as you might think). Bar at the front, lounge at the back with a pool area at the side. Popular with sporting types, as shown by the football, dominoes, pool & darts references throughout the pub. Live entertainment at weekends. A second hand pump was introduced in 2014, but the pub has had difficulty tempting the locals away from their favourite beers.

Loggerheads

1 Church Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1UG

This 18th-century Grade II listed town-centre pub pub, located in what is said to be the shortest street in the town centre, has a nationally important historic interior. The pub consists of four rooms, all linked by an L-shaped corridor. From the frontage there are two entrances, the right-hand door take you into what is nominally the lounge (spartan by modern standards, it is the largest room, with a bare wooden floor and is the location of the dart-board). The left-hand door takes you into the corridor. First room on the right is what is labelled on the window glass the 'Bar Parlour'. This is a small bar, usually filled with locals, but with the only direct access to the pump-clips on show. Next room up the corridor (on the left) is the 'Smoke Room'. The sign as you enter: 'Gents Only until 1975' is a reminder of a bygone age. The room houses scrubbed tables, high backed settles set into the partition wall, a shove halfpenny board and is dominated by a large fire-place. At the corner of the corridor is a small snug area (the 'Poet's Room'). Although having its own window, surrounding buildings don't allow for much natural light, so the atmosphere is always one where one imagines many clandestine meetings have taken place. This room and the Smoke Room can gain access to the bar via a servery in between the two rooms. Following the corridor round leads you to the toilets and the Lounge, which has its own servery access to the bar. This now has portraits of famous writers on the walls. Unsurprisingly perhaps the pub has since been somewhat of a GBG institution, appearing in 33 of the 43 editions. All in all, a classic pub, until recently the only concession to the 21st century being the TV in the parlour bar (usually in silent mode, naturally). However TV & radio have started to encroach on the lounge, especially on major sporting occasions (eg Rugby). Unspoilt by progress? - you decide. Cheap cask ales on Tuesdays.

Masonic Arms

55 Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7LN

Unpretentious suburban pub, friendly atmosphere, attracting customers of all ages. Narrow front bar area, with more secluded seating to the side of the bar and a pool table at the back. Situated in a heavily built-up area, thus very limited parking. Occasional live music. TV sports and all pub games played. There is a Golf Society which has its own noticeboard.

Exchange

1 Bellstone, Shrewsbury SY1 1HU

Formerly the Exchange Hotel, it became Morgan's for 10 years from 2008, becoming the Exchange again in 2019. The bar is one large contemporarily decorated L shaped room broken into distinct areas by the use of various forms of seating. At first glance the bar would appear to offer only keg beers but unusually the three handpumps are located against the wall at the far rear of the bar. Normally only one beer on from Salopian but a second beer is occasionally available.

Nags Head

22 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1XB

Situated on the historic Wyle Cop, the main features of this Grade II Listed timber framed building are best appreciated externally. There's the upper storey jettying, and to the rear, the timber remnants of a 14th-century hall house including a screened passage. This provided protection from draughts and nowadays, shelter for smokers!. And for a town centre pub, the garden is remarkably large. The old style interior has remained unaltered for many years. The pub can be very busy at times attracting a mixed clientele. But beware, it has the reputation of being haunted and is featured in the Shrewsbury Ghost Trail!

Peacock Inn

42 Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6JS

A busy and large community pub, supporting a golf society, football, darts and poker. Four TV screens, including one 3D. Extremely busy during football matches. Lunchtime and evening meals served, Apparently in the 1970's it was one of the first pubs (as opposed to hotels) in the Shrewsbury area to serve pub lunches. By all accounts they were well supported by staff from the then new Shirehall offices. Regular Quiz, Bingo and Race nights to occupy the local community. It can get quite busy with funeral wakes since it is the nearest pub to the crematorium. The garden at the rear provides an alternative entry and exit point to Sutton Road. Was once one of the small number of Shrewsbury pubs owned by Border Breweries of Wrexham. Only 5 handpumps these days, normally at least 4 in use at any one time.

Prince Of Wales

30 Bynner Street, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury SY3 7NZ

Welcoming two-roomed "back street local" with a large decked sun-trap and heated smoking shelter facing out over the bowling green. The green is overlooked by a 19th Century Maltings. Darts, Dominoes and Bowls teams abound. Two beer festivals each year, the Winter Ales Festival in February and another Festival in May. Popular themed nights. Shrewsbury Town FC memorabilia adorn the building both inside and out, with some of the seating from the old Gay Meadow Ground skirting the bowling green. Check website for meal times. Once owned by Border Ales of Wrexham, when it became their last outlet in Shrewsbury. Branch pub of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2019. West Midlands Regional Pub of the Year 2019.

Red Barn

108 Longden Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7HS

Large suburban pub opposite the Town's main cemetery, the current 1930's building having replaced an older pub on the site. It had a major refurbishment in early 2016, which has resulted in comfortable and tasteful surroundings. Although it's nominally one large room, it is divided into various areas. The bar is provided with a darts board, pool table, TV and gas fire. while the lounge has the appropriate seating, a real fire and is available for casual dining. The specialist dining area, also having a real fire, is nicely done out and has a pleasant view over the gardens. Lots of local photographs on display. After a period of temporary management Gary & Vicky, formerly of the Abbey, returned to Shrewsbury in February 2019 to take charge of the pub.

Salopian Bar

Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury SY1 1PW

This is a pub which has had several changes of name in its history. It was first recorded in 1861 as the Globe, then in 1916 it became the Smithfield. In 1959 it was changed to the Proud Salopian. This was to commemorate the achievement of Thomas Southam in becoming mayor of Shrewsbury on four separate occasions. The latest name change reflects its current image. It's a single-roomed pub that is popular with all age groups and has a modern, albeit sometimes noisy, atmosphere. Consider it a Sports bar with 5 screens always on, showing football/rugby/racing. The dedicated management continually strives to increase the beer, cider and perry range to satisfy public demand. Regular cider and perry is provided by Westons and Thatchers, and an ever increasing range of Belgian and American bottled beer is also available. The local Branch of CAMRA's Pub of the Year for 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 and Shrewsbury Town for 2013 and 2014. Also Branch Cider Pub of the Year in 2016. Holds numerous beer and cider festivals during the year. Oh yes, and e-cigs are allowed! Unfortunately, the pub suffered badly from the flooding in February 2020, but has now been completely refurbished and includes an additional indoor 'beer garden' in which to enjoy your pint.

Steam Wagon Inn

Mount Pleasant Road, Shrewsbury SY1 3EP

Built in the mid sixties by the Shrewsbury & Wem Brewing Co. A comfortable estate pub with a large spacious lounge. The equally spacious bar is very much sports dominated with two pool tables and a darts area, which then leads to a garden area at the back. TV sports nights are popular. The pub holds regular charity functions, and also has live music most weekends. Situated just across the roundabout from the Radio Shropshire studios. Major renovation in the Summer of 2019 resulted in a spruced up interior and a name change with Inn being added to the name.

Olive Tree Tapas Bar

Frankwell Island, Shrewsbury SY3 8JR

Formerly the Swan, this pub was once owned by Trouncers before becoming a notable brewhouse in the early part of the 20th century. It was latterly owned by Punch Taverns before reverting to private ownership, reopening as a bistro and bar in August 2012. The refurbishment has been comprehensive and, what was a modest local, has been transformed into a modern venue. The theme is Spanish and the cuisine has strong Mediterranean influences. This theme continues into the attractive terraced garden area behind the building, where there are ample facilities for drinkers and smokers. It is also good to see that real ale forms a prominent part of the offering, although the establishment is very much more aimed at diners, rather than drinkers. Food served all day. Alcohol is served from 11:00. Coffee & croissants served from 09:00 to 12:00.

Telegraph

16 New Park Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2LD

Even locals can struggle to find this pub, hidden in the back-streets of Castlefields. Originally an 8 room pub in 1872, it is now an unexpectedly large one room pub with alcoves for darts, dominoes and pool (the football team probably have their own area as well). Indeed it has been known to be called "The Tardis". Easily accessible from the free car park behind the nearby shops off New Park Road. Current management took over in August 2011. Simple bar snacks are available (pork pie etc). It was once a part of the large local estate of the Shrewsbury & Wem Brewery.

Three Fishes

4 Fish Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1UR

The “Fishes” is situated in a quaint cobbled street, tucked away behind the town square. In fact, so quaint is the street that it was once used as a location in the 1984 film of A Christmas Carol. Neither does the pub itself disappoint. Late 15th century and Grade II Listed, it’s a small and low beamed single roomed affair. Frequented by customers of all ages, it is a little haven for those who appreciate good ale, and the facility to be able to converse in civilized surroundings. The range of up to six beers is thoughtfully worked out by a landlord who seems to spend a great deal of time in his cellar! The result of all this effort is the landlord's furrowed brow, well kept beer and usually a little something for everyone. In 1994 the Fishes made the news when previous landlord, John Sims, declared it as one of the country's first No Smoking pubs, long before the national ban took effect. A brave move at the time, they lost 30% of their turnover overnight, but within 6 months were thriving again. Even now, there is no outside area for either drinking or smoking. A Good Beer Guide institution since 2002, and local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2010. May close earlier than published.

Two Henrys

Robert Jones Way, Battlefield Road, Shrewsbury SY4 3EQ

Refurbished in 2011, this is a modern, spacious and comfortable lounge bar with an emphasis on food. Breakfasts are served 9am-midday, though the bar doesn't open until 10am. Children are catered for with a family dining room and both inside and outside play facilities. A Travelodge Hotel and various food outlets are adjacent. A true roadhouse, it can be a real battle for pedestrians to cross the busy by-pass roads surrounding the pub. Talking of battles... The "Two Henrys" is a reference to the Battle of Shrewsbury on 21 July 1403, which was waged nearby between King Henry IV, and a rebel army led by Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy. New management from November 2019.

Wheatsheaf

17 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JY

This black and white former coaching inn features an inglenook fireplace, beamed ceiling and bay windows in the bar. This is a comfortable room which was refurbished in 2014. There's another small room to the rear of the pub, that is used as a games room. The serving area is triangular-shaped which is fairly unusual. Three handpulls dispense beers from local and regional breweries, usually with a real cider as well. There is keen emphasis on music, particularly at weekends when live bands are often in evidence, though the jukebox is usually active the rest of the time. Barbecues are often held on the large beer garden decking in the summer. In its time it has been owned by the Wrekin Brewery of Wellington and was part of the large local estate of the Shrewsbury & Wem Brewery.

White Horse

7 Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6JJ

The White Horse is in the shadow of Lord Hill's column on one of the principal routes out of town, with dual access from London and Wenlock roads. It's a large property in the shape of a horseshoe with a main room, a pool table area, and a dedicated restaurant. Formerly a Greene King House it became a Joule's tied house in March 2019. The pub will be closing in early 2022 for major extension and renovation.

Woodman

32 Coton Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 2DZ

Situated just out of the town centre, this half brick and half timbered black and white corner pub was rebuilt in 1925 after the original 1800s building was destroyed by fire in 1923. The landlady at the time died in the fire, and some people believe that she now haunts the pub. The Woodman has a wonderful oak panelled lounge, with two fires in regular use and traditional settles. The separate bar has the original stone-tiled flooring, wooden seating, another fire and listed leaded windows. The current owner took over in 2000 and has really turned the place around. From being a popular locals only pub it is now a well respected town pub and has been in 11 editions of the Good Beer Guide since 2005. The area at the rear of the pub has been spruced up recently and is looking very smart. There is also a new sheltered seating area at the rear of the courtyard with its own small log-burner. Wolf Rock craft ale also available on draught. To accompany your real ale, the Woodman offers Sandwiches (toasted or not) and Paninis, from 4pm to 8pm.

Olde Bucks Head Inn

55 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JR

Well established pub serving the "Little Boro" of Frankwell. Comfortable and welcoming, privately owned, with 10 en-suite bedrooms, all with colour TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee etc. Free wi-fi all areas. Pets welcome, by arrangement. All meals are served in the bar. There is seperate pool room. The pub changed hands in 2015, but is still run by the same management team, so the change has been barely noticeable (Feb 2016). Over 21s policy from 2021.

Yorkshire House

2 St. Mary's Place, Shrewsbury SY1 1DX