Live Sports — Pubs in Shrewsbury
Discover live sports pubs in Shrewsbury. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 50 live sports pubs in Shrewsbury
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.
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.
Albion Bar & Tumbledown Hotel
12 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 2DJ
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!
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.
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.
Beaten Track
Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury SY3 7ET
This large pub with taken over by M & B in 2015 when it was an Orchid Inn, and as of April 2016 renovated and re-branded as a Harvester. It is situated on the edge of town next door to the Cineworld complex and close to Asda and fast-food restaurants. It focuses on food, but if you just need a drink, then there is a dedicated bar area with a mixture of high and low tables and a TV. It's also family friendly, with baby-changing facilities, disabled access and disabled toilets. Breakfast is served 9am-11am every day, the bar also opens at 9am. For walkers and hikers, it's right next door to the Rea Brook Valley walk, part of which used to be the Old Potts Railway.
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.
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.
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"
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.
Compasses Inn
45 Long Row, Ditherington, Shrewsbury SY1 4DE
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!
Cross Foxes
27 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DE
This former Butlers house has been in the same family since 1985. It’s not really a town pub, and yet it’s not suburban either. The Cross Foxes is probably the nearest thing in Shrewsbury to the traditional boozer, with all the emphasis on drink sales, and most of the clientele is local. Maybe this is because it is noted for the quality of its Bass, its largest seller. The pub is “L” shaped with just one room and it’s obvious from the many trophies that bedeck the walls, that darts and dominoes are popular. There is a nice welcome, and at once you will get a comfortable feeling from being there. Sunday night is a quiz night. The TV is used mainly for major sporting events and afternoon racing. Beware the M&B Mild pumpclip which is attached to an unconnected handpump (Keg M&B mild is available further along the bar). Disabled access: For wheelchair or disabled entrance, please phone the pub on your approach, and they will unlock the rear gate and assist with navigation.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Red Lion
29 Battlefield Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4AB
A popular roadside pub on the outskirts of town and close to the site of the Battle of Shrewsbury. Former Orchid Inns pub acquired by M&B in January 2015 and converted to their Sizzling Pubs brand in July 2016. The refurbishment has been long overdue, but has smartened the place up without significantly altering the layout of the pub. From the front door the area to the left still retains a bar feel, with the area to the right dominated by people ordering meals throughout the day - from Breakfast to Evening meals, with the bar opening as soon as the kitchen does, At various times in the past it has been owned not only by the Wrekin Brewery of Wellington, but also was a part of the large local estate of the Shrewsbury & Wem Brewery. Made it into the Good Beer Guide in the very early days (1976-77).
Albert's Shed
8 Barker Street, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury SY1 1QJ
A welcome new Real Ale outlet in Shrewsbury, having been a non-real-ale nightclub venue previous to its total refurbishment in early 2017. A vast minimalist space greets you, with wooden panelling and exposed fixtures etc., giving the overall impression of someone's shed, or perhaps an industrial unit. Clean and tidy, though the decor is designed to look industrial and grimy. There is much to interest the eye, while you sample one of the ales on offer; a couple of regulars and a guest or two is planned. Old vehicle frontages are used as furniture (familiar to those who have browsed around the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry). Appears to be unconnected to the more well known Albert's Shed in Manchester. A quirky place to visit for the more elderly CAMRA members during the day, though be warned it reverts to its vibrant young persons atmosphere in the evenings.
Royal Oak
Coton Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 2DZ
After a chequered history of management changes in recent times, the pub was bought by Black Country Ales and opened in May 2017. Picturesque frontage, wood panelled bar and separate lounge area. The new owners have refurbished the interior, giving a comfortable and welcoming feel. 10 handpumps, usually one of those is a Cider. The beer choice is plainly on view via an electronic display on the wall behind the bar (familiar to frequent visitors of their sister pub, the Wellington in Birmingham). Useful in those cases where you can't pronounce the beer name, just quote the number!) Happy hour prices apply (for the Black Country Ales beers only) 12-6 Mon-Fri. Management change March 2019.
Saddler's
Whitecroft Road, Reabrook, Shrewsbury SY3 7TJ
Opened in 1979, this estate pub takes its name from that of its first owner - George Saddler. It started life as a freehouse (apparently one of only two in the town at the time), with beers initially supplied principally by Wem Brewery. A later landlord (1987-1994) was Ken Mulhearn, the noted 1970s Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper) New management since early 2014. The pub supports around 10 teams, and raises hundreds of pounds every year for the local Severn Hospice.
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.
Seven Stars
7 Old Coleham Head, Shrewsbury SY3 7BP
Re-opened in May 2018, with four ales on offer. U-shaped locals bar just outside the river loop near the English Bridge. The Seven Stars refers to the constellation of the Plough, a common theme for rural pubs. The pub has changed hands several times in the 230+ years it has been open, getting swallowed up by larger and larger breweries, though it is now back in private hands. Plenty of old Shrewsbury photos on the walls, though they only tend to focus on times of flooding. Close to the station as the crow flies, but in reality it is a long walk through town to reach the entrance. Following the floods in 2020 the pub is currently open Friday to Sunday and is not stocking real ale.
Shrewsbury Hotel
Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 1PU
Formerly the Britannia Hotel, this was an important coaching inn serving Welsh destinations in particular (hence its original name of the Welsh Harp, though it hasn't gone by that name for nearly 200 years). As the Britannia it appeared in the first edition of the Good Beer Guide in 1974. At the time it was owned by Greenall Whitley (Wem) and was "a pleasant and well run 2-star hotel with good ale". before becoming the first of the two J D Wetherspoon establishments in the town in 1998. Taking advantage of the existing Hotel facilities, Wetherspoons declared it as the first of their Wetherlodge budget hotels (there are now over 30 of them). It now offers the usual Wetherspoons fayre, cheap drinks, bargain daily food deals and regular beer & cider festivals. The Shrewsbury Hotel has a number of nooks and crannies to hide away in, if necessary, and at busy times it suffers from the usual Wetherspoon problem of getting served. However, the staff do their best, and one has to bear in mind that they have a hotel to run as well. The concrete structure across the road on the bank of the river is the Quantum Leap (AKA the Slinky) built to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 2009. Following the 2020 floods there will be no draught beer until further notice.
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.
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.
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.