Live Music — Pubs in Shrewsbury
Discover live music pubs in Shrewsbury. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 67 live music pubs in Shrewsbury
Riverbank
Victoria Quay, Victoria Avenue, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH
Principally a restaurant & cocktail lounge bar. The upstairs NY Lounge is the main cocktail/music area which only tends to open in the evenings. Downstairs is mainly restaurant, but there is a small seating are in front of the bar which is located just inside the front door..
Bagley Sports & Social Club
16 Ellesmere Road, Greenfields, Shrewsbury SY1 2PJ
Built in 2010 to replace an older Railway Club which was nearer the main road and was demolished in 2007. Although still owned by the London Midland Railway Club Association, like most venues it is looking to broaden it's horizons to survive. CAMRA members are given a friendly welcome to peruse the offering, though if you become a regular visitor you will probably be requested to become a club member! Small comfortable bar with pictures & artefacts reflecting the main passions of the regulars and management; namely railways and Shrewsbury Town Football Club. Newly instigated Happy Hour (for club members) from 7-9pm Fri-Sat. There is a large adjoining function room, always available for hire at a suitable price. The two bowling greens outside are used by a number of teams covering a range of ages. Winner of the Shrewsbury & West Shropshire Club of the Year competition in 2017.
Beaconsfield Club
Raven Meadows, Shrewsbury SY1 1PD
The Beaconsfield Club, the oldest club in Shrewsbury, has been located in several other locations before its current home. Established in 1881, in honour of Benjamin Disraeli, who died in that year; he represented the constituency some years earlier. Initially established as a men-only club, it was only as recently as the 1980s that women became equally welcome to attend. Club members have the use of four snooker tables. The attached restaurant, Churchill's, is open to the general public and serves breakfasts from 9am (Tue-Sat); for Sunday lunch, booking is highly recommended, as it is very popular with members.
Peach Tree
18 - 21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AE
Right by the abbey and at the centre of a restaurant/nightclub complex the Peach Tree has a cruck framed dining room, a small lounge area in front of the bar and some outside pavement seating. Food is served all day from breakfast to dinner but drinkers are equally welcome. The single cask beer is normally from Salopian or Hobsons.
Reabrook Social Club
Scott Street, Shrewsbury SY3 7PX
Social club with live music. Available for private hire.
Abbey
83 Monkmoor Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury SY2 5AZ
According to the book "Victorian Shrewsbury", this pub was built about 1860 as Ashley House and has unusually long narrow upper windows. And it has a beer connection in that it was once owned by one of the Southam brothers, of the former Southam Brewery in the town. The stables and other outbuildings still survive. It's a large place inside but a comprehensive refurbishment in December 2014, has led to a comfortable and calm ambience. Although open plan in theory, the design is such that there are eight (at least!) different areas where one can linger. While there's plenty of dining space, drinkers need not feel left out and they can indulge themselves comfortably here. The landlord is an ale enthusiast so various promotions are organized, such as Meet the Brewer events Mondays are currently advertised as Cask Ale Club days, meaning all cask ales are £2.50/pint (Mar 2017). Choice is aplenty too, with a fine array of 10 handpumps, offering up to 8 guest ales over the main-stays.
Alb
14 Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury SY1 1PB
Formerly the Albert, renamed and re-opened as a "lounge bar with restaurant" in October 2012. This pub was extensively renovated by the new owners, who bought it from Marston's. Unfortunately, the ale and cider hand-pulls are stuck ignominiously in one corner of the bar, and tend to be hidden by a combination of bar furniture and customers. The makeover has been drastic and some of the original Victorian features have been ripped out. On the credit side, it is now much cleaner with quality pub furniture and wooden flooring. There is a small snug, with large and deep settees available for private functions. Upstairs is a splendid restaurant, used for evening meals, meetings or promotions, whereas lunch-time bistro-type food is served downstairs at your table. The large inner courtyard has been partitioned off to allow people access to the bathroom facilities without exposure to the elements. The door at the end leads into an external courtyard. The pub's big advantage is its location - next door to the bus station and 200m from the railway station. Drinkers of a certain age will remember the original Albert Hotel, one of the 15 pubs in the Branch area appearing in the initial 1974 Good Beer Guide (GBG) with the legend: "Mitchells & Butlers, Ansells, pleasant people and attractive pub with well kept beer". Arguably the pub's heyday was the 10 year GBG stint (1978-1987) when it was noted for its guest beer selection at a time when they were not so common. Darts players and Simpkiss drinkers of that era would no doubt be bemused by the current incarnation with cocktail menus on the tables. It is no less popular these days, but now appeals to a completely different demographic. It's probably not a surprise that it was the first known pub in the area to reach £4/pint in October 2015. The solitary handpump was removed in 2020 and cask beer is no longer sold.
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!
Ashleys Bar
9 Shoplatch, Shrewsbury SY1 1HF
One-room corner bar in the shadow of the new Market Hall. On the site of the short lived Saddlers Arms (1820-1850), it has been mostly retail premises since, until Ashleys opened in 2009. Upstairs function room available for private hire. Real Ale re-introduced March 2019, after a major refurbishment. Single handpump is usually Salopian Oracle but other Salopian beers may appear occasionaly.
Hickory's Smokehouse
Victoria Quay, Victoria Avenue, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH
This was formerly the Waterfront which occupied the same building as Bond's Nightclub. The pub closed in October 2018 and after extensive work the whole building re-opened in December 2019 as part of the Hickory's Smokehouse chain. Whilst primarily a restaurant there is a bar area to the right of the entrance on Victoria Quay.
Beacon
156 Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8LP
The Beacon is a large suburban establishment with a spacious bar, one wing devoted to pub games and a very large TV screen, the other being a comfortable lounge area. The pub's ethos is to be an attractive venue for the whole local community, with plenty of room for drinking, sports TV and eating. Following a smart new makeover it re-opened under new management in August 2013. Seven handpumps, with at least 5 in use normally.
Belle Vue Tavern
115 Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7NJ
Formerly called the Old Plough, it became the Belle Vue Tavern in 1991. Older visitors will remember the tree directly outside which fell down in a storm on Christmas Eve 1996. It is a comfortable and friendly suburban local which has undergone some internal renovation. It has four separate areas which function as public bar, snug and lounge. The pub participates in various local games leagues, and has the trophies to prove it. The prominent signage both external & internal proclaiming 'Shropshire Ales' is a relic of the past.
Loopy Shrew
15 Bellstone, Shrewsbury SY1 1HU
Upmarket boutique hotel bar in the shadow of the Market Hall clock tower. Re-opened Nov 2013 after a change of ownership and a £500,000 refurbishment. Multi-level bar areas with a dining area at the rear. The bar itself has been moved from the centre to the side of the room affording more space for drinkers. Following a change in ownership the bar re-opened in November 2015 with a new name following a major refurbishment. The layout has remained principally the same, though the above ground wine cellar has been replaced with a hot drink dispensing area. Window seats are now in place, allowing people watching or just time spent with electronic devices. There is a private dining area on a balcony above the main restaurant which is available for functions. The hotel part of the business is now referred to as the 'Sleepy Shrew'!
Boar's Head
18 Belle Vue Road, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury SY3 7LL
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
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).
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.
Crown
115 Longden Road, Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DX
A pub much renovated and extended at the rear to exploit its riverside location. One main room with a side pool room, with a conservatory-style area overlooking the river. Once owned by Trouncers a former brewery nearby, so presumably was for a time the brewery tap. Good value food, with regular curry nights, grill nights etc.
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.
Dun Cow
171 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AL
The pub calls itself an “old english bar & restaurant”, traditionally specialising in steak meals. Unusually, this is a horseracing pub, showing every race every day on one of the TVs. The name is supposedly derived from a Tudor steward, Mr Dun Fow. However the name is not as original as you might think, according to Whatpub there are currently nearly 20 other 'Dun Cow's spread throughout England (Dec 2017). For a time in the 1990s the pub was owned by Mad O'Rourkes Little Pub Co, so was briefly known as the Dun Cow Pie Shop. The pub has a resident ghost, last seen in 2003.
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.
Hole in the Wall
1 Shoplatch, Shrewsbury SY1 1HF
The pub is popular in the daytime with its good value food offering, but it turns into a "circuit" venue at night, thus it can become noisy! (Live music Friday nights, DJ on Saturdays). The Hole in the Wall venue was an entry in the early days of the Good Beer Guide in 1975. Details were sparse at the time, but apparently Bass Worthington Bitter and M&B Mild were for sale, and it was said to be "an old pub of character"! For the early birds, confirmation that the bar opens at 9am, same time that the kitchen does for Breakfast (10am Sundays). Currently tends to only have one ale on at a time, alternating between the Sharp's and the Marston's (Jul 2019).
Hop & Friar
5-6 St. Julians Friars, Shrewsbury SY1 1XL
Previously the Acorn, the name change coincided with major renovations when Banks's acquired the pub in the 1990s, which included extending into the shop next door. A former Tanners house, it had a spell in the Good Beer Guide in the 1980s when it was a noted traditional M&B/Bass house. The pub is now starting to benefit both from the new building in the area, and the traffic restrictions to the front as a result of change of access to one of Shrewsbury's main car parks nearby. At the rear is the pool table and access to the patio garden. Shared car-park at rear, with access from Town Walls.
Inn on the Green
Bank Farm Road, Radbrook Green, Shrewsbury SY3 6DU
A standard estate pub built by Morris & Co. in 1990. There are two rooms, one of which serves as a small function room. The other is a large comfortable lounge/bar with a games area and TV's to the one end. This is a community pub frequented by a fishing group and a golf society. Tends not to feature regularly in town pub-crawl itineraries, as by road it is over half a mile from it's nearest competitor, and well over a mile from the second nearest! The former goalkeeper for the England football team, Joe Hart, attended the nearby Meole Brace School. The large clock with an old map of Shrewsbury printed on the clockface is an interesting feature.
King's Head
48 Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 1PP
With its double jettied frontage, the timber framed 15th century Kings Head must be one of the town's most striking pub exteriors. Not only that, a refurbishment in 1987 revealed a Pre-Reformation painting of the Last Supper on an old chimney breast. It now takes pride of place in the pub together with a plaque describing its history. A recent refurbishment has led to the re-introduction of small partitions, which has restored the feeling of a traditional old pub while still looking smart. The low beams and comfortable bench seating make it a pleasant place to linger for a while. New management in June 2018.
Lion & Pheasant
49-50 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ
The hotel was once extensively used by carriers who made it their Shrewsbury terminus. In 1961 it closed and did not reopen until 1984 after a great deal of renovation. After being substantially remodelled and re-furnished at the end of 2010, it is now a smart "boutique" hotel with 22 rooms, rated AA 3 star. The Wyle Cop bar area has a cafe-style atmosphere, and almost a Scandinavian feel, with its oak floors, slatted benches and loose upholstery. There is an ownership overlap with the Boathouse further upriver, so visitors from that part of town will probably recognise the decor & style. The nearby Inglenook bar has a flagstone floor and a large open fire, and upstairs is the Star Bar, next to the private dining room and conference area. In keeping with this "feel", there is no chintz and no clutter. There is a terrace garden area with a prominent lion (but no obvious sign of a pheasant). In 2019 the right hand ground floor, formerly another commercial property, was renovated and opened as Ernest & Co. a fine wine, cheese and charcuterie bar. It is operating as a separate business but shares toilet facilities and the garden with the pub. A small seating area connects the two bars. It is open 6 - 11 on a Thursday, 3 - 11 on a Friday and 12 - 11 on a Saturday. It does not serve cask beer.
Lion Hotel
Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UY
A difficult venue to summarise, as whole books have been written about the place, this is one of the most historic hostelries in the town. The standard is set from the outset with entrance from the front being through a classic revolving door. It is a Grade 1 listed 16th century coaching inn and hotel, with 57 rooms and 2 suites, though most visible architecture is early Georgian. The former principal public bar, the Oak Bar, by the entrance, ceased being used as a functioning bar in 2019 with the removal of the handpumps and other bar paraphernalia. Future unknown at the time of writing but may become a coffee lounge or cocktail bar. The main public bar now is the Tudor Bar opposite the reception. This is a large beamed room with comfortable seating and a fine fireplace.
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.
Monkmoor
203 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury SY2 5SW
Spacious suburban pub located opposite the town police station. Large L-shaped bar and small function room (available for private hire) at the side. There is a prominent bowling green alongside the pub. Beware of the parrot, keep clear! (though it's getting on a bit now and seems to be a bit more docile (if not asleep) these days). The addition of a second handpump has improved the availability of real ale.
Montgomery's Tower
Lower Claremont Bank, Shrewsbury SY1 1RT
Located close to the Quarry Park and handy for Theatre Severn, this is one of two Wetherspoon pubs in Shrewsbury. Montgomery's Tower opened in August 2008, it is a Lloyds No.1 conversion of a former nightclub and is a busy, popular and comfortable pub with a choice of two bars. To the left is a large open area rich in natural light, in contrast the bar to the right has subdued lighting providing quieter surroundings. However, on Fridays and Saturdays this area is more lively when the music gets going. Also, as the pub is close to the Sixth Form College nearby, it can get very busy with students taking their lunches, although this is not so much a problem these days as the college has been split over a number of sites. Many prints are displayed illustrating local history and famous Salopians. New management from Oct 2016.
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.
Old Bell
115 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6BA
Fully modernised Grade 2 listed pub with bed & breakfast rooms and conference facilities. Through bar/lounge with adjoining snug/darts room and contemporary artwork. Often used for meetings by the Shrewsbury & Mid-Shropshire Ramblers. There is no car-park but on-street parking available without payment in adjacent residential area. The adjoining malt-house has been sympathetically converted into accommodation. Once an Allsopp's pub as evidenced by an old picture on the wall. Was a Good Beer Guide entry for 6 consecutive years (1986-1991). New management June 2013.
Henry Tudor House
Barracks Passage, Shrewsbury SY1 1XA
Formerly the Old Lion Tap, this is a significant Grade I Listed building. Built in the 15th century, it was first recorded as an inn in 1868 though it had previously functioned as a brew house. It closed as a pub in 1925 before re-emerging in 1990 as the Lion & Tap. A substantial restoration in Oct 2012 led to its current luxurious state. Spot the celebrity likenesses in the paintings! The main bar has three distinct areas: the bar counter area, a snug-type lounge to the left of the entrance, and a dining area at a slightly lower level. The pub was extended to the right in 2021 to include a coffee lounge on Wyle Cop. In the evening the coffee lounge becomes the drinking area whilst the rear of the pub is dedicated to diners.
Old Post Office
1 Milk Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1SZ
Large, brick-built, early-Georgian town centre pub with lots of earlier Tudor features, this hotel/pub dates from the late sixteenth century - the last of 5 public houses on the 50-metre long Milk Street. For much of the 20th century it was a Border Ales of Wrexham house. There is one room, on two levels, with the dining area in one part and different drinking areas in the remainder, all quite comfortable and tastefully done. There are 5 hand-pulls, all with Marstons beer range. The function suite is on the first floor.
Onslow Inn
Pensfold, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury SY3 5HF
The Onslow was built in 1988 for Whitbread to serve the then new Gains Park estate. But it has since passed into private ownership. It's a large pub, very much a local, and which has now been divided into two separate businesses. A prospective customer should, therefore, be on high alert on approaching the entrance foyer. Taking the left hand door is key, as this will lead to the pub itself. The right hand door, however, takes one into the Balti restaurant, which used to be the (rather large) lounge. Through the left hand door one will find a large room, serving as bar, lounge and pool area. The whole thing is comfortable, being carpeted throughout, and with ample soft seating available to watch the 96" TV screen! In addition, there's a south facing conservatory giving access to the patio at the front. Came under the same management as the restaurant next door in October 2016, but this has not resulted in any change other than a wider range of Sports TV (though opening hours have now been reduced - Oct 2017) Two changing beers. Oracle is a regular, on a recent visit the two beers were from Harvistoun and Boss.
Oxon Priory
Shelton Corner, Welshpool Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8DL
Large rambling, almost Gothic-looking building on a busy road junction at the edge of town. It's not surprising therefore that it was once called the Cross Roads Inn. Currently describes itself as a Pub & Grill. Comfortably done out with several bar and restaurant areas, and American diner-style alcoves. There's a separate games/pool room, though the main emphasis during the year is on it's family-friendly facilities. New management from May 2018.