Prices from:
£79 per night
Inn Places PerkFree Room Upgrade if Available
Spread across several buildings at the bottom of Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury’s famous street lined with independent shops, the striking Lion & Pheasant hides a historic sixteenth century heart behind an early eighteenth facade. Old certainly meets new throughout this beautifully renovated building, which in 2010 was transformed into the place it is today by the architect/designer team of Rachael Chidlow and Paul Keogh. The minimalist-rustic design and décor comes as a surprise as you step from the street into the contemporary reception-cum-lounge and the cool and uncluttered bar, which have a distinct New England look and feel. Think, sanded lightwood floors, pastel painted tongue and groove walls, big vases of fresh flowers, cushioned sofa, glass chandelier, spotlights and trendy anglepoise lamps, and painted wall benches. Step into the dining room and back 200 years to a world of ancient beams, slate floors and a raised log fire in the huge stone inglenook. Wonky rustic walls, thick timbers and beams extend upstairs into the intimate, candlelit restaurant. Owned by the Chidlow family since the 1980s, the hotel is now run by Jim Littler and his professional team, who are dedicated to offering a friendly and efficient service.
Children are welcome and provided for in the dining rooms, as long as they eat early in the evening, but are best accommodated in the adjacent Stables self-catering cottage, which has more space and cots/z-beds are available.
Dogs are not allowed in the pub or rooms.
Escape the bar on warm sunny days/evenings and head for the sheltered rear courtyard, which has a distinct Mediterranean feel, edged with lavender and box and dotted with potted olive trees, while suspended sail clothes provide welcome shelter.
What’s the Damage?
22 bedrooms; doubles £115-£225; single from £99.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £191; self-catering from £175 for 2-nights
What Else?
Gongs
AA 3 Star; Michelin Guide; Good Hotel Guide
Equally contemporary are the 22 smart bedrooms reached via a bespoke twisting staircase and winding corridors on two floors. Mirroring downstairs, rear rooms ooze historic character and charm, featuring wonky floors and exposed wall timbers and ceiling beams. All have super comfortable oak or wrought iron Feather & Black beds topped with crisp White Company linen, down duvets and feather pillows, feature fireplaces and a cool, uncluttered feel – cord carpets, pastel tongue & groove dado, painted furniture, soft lighting and few paintings. Smart tiled bathrooms come with vast walk-in showers with five having showers over baths. For that special night away, why not book the Loft Suite with its vaulted timbered ceiling, head-cracking beams, wood floors, hip-bath on a raised level overlooking the iron bed, and separate storm shower. Independently minded guests or those with kids can stay in one of three beautifully designed and kitted out self-catering cottages, with the open-plan Stables being ideal for families.
Feather & Black beds; White Company linen; room service; local mineral water; Cole & Lewis bathroom products; shaving mirror.
Flatscreen TVs; Free wi-fi; Telephone; i-pod dock
Full English breakfast; eggs Benedict; salmon and chive scrambled egg; grilled kippers & hollandaise; toasted ham & brie croissant; porridge; Continental – croissants, yoghurt & fruits
What’s the Damage?
22 bedrooms; doubles £115-£225; single from £99.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £191; self-catering from £175 for 2-nights
What Else?
Gongs
AA 3 Star; Michelin Guide; Good Hotel Guide
Roux Scholar finalist (2015) Dion Wynn Jones, a young, talented and ambitious chef, took charge of the stoves in June 2015 following a stint at the Crewe Hall Brasserie. His inventive modern British (with a twist) style of cooking has found favour with local diners and guests staying at the inn. He also works closely with owners with manager Jim, who is passionate about sourcing local ingredients and maintaining an innovative restaurant menu, alongside an evening (Sunday to Thursday) bar menu that features pub classics – chargrilled chicken Caesar salad, ham, free range egg & chips, neck of lamb fillet, curried crème fraiche.
Lunch
Chicken liver parfait, toasted brioche
Confit pork belly, purple sprouting broccoli, red chard, grain mustard mash
Monkfish, tomato risotto, baby spinach, Parma ham
Sticky toffee pudding, hazelnut ice cream
Dinner
Roasted cauliflower soup, black truffle cream cheese
Beef tasting plate, burnt onion, chive mash, honey parsnips, red chard
Sea bass, tomato & chorizo risotto, baby spinach, razor clams
Rhubarb pannacotta, rice pudding, parfait, honeycomb crunch
Passionfruit tart, Caribbean salad, chilli, pineapple sorbet
Afternoon Tea
Finger sandwiches, traditional cakes & pastries, fresh baked scones with strawberries, clotted cream & preserves, traditional lemonade, coffee or tea (£16).
Set lunch menu – 2 courses £20; 3 courses £25
Roast topside of beef, duck fat potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, jus
Roast loin of Gloucester Old Spot pork, grain mustard mash, apricot stuffing
Room service menu (from sandwiches to fish & chips) served 12 noon – 9.30pm
Breakfast: 7.15am – 9.30am (8am – 10.30am Sunday)
Lunch: 12 noon – 2.30pm (3pm Sunday)
Afternoon tea: Saturday 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Dinner: 6pm – 9.30pm (9pm Sunday)
Vegetables – Rowlands, Shrewsbury (www.rowlandsltd.co.uk)
Eggs – Hayford Farm, Westbury (www.shropshirefreerange.com)
Kitchen is supplemented by Dorothy Chidlow’s kitchen garden in season – courgettes, squash, tomatoes, damsons, plus fresh herbs and flowers
Blackboards announce the day’s cocktail and the gin of the week and closer inspection reveals that both are taken very seriously here, with boutique gins from Britain and abroad lining the shelves behind the bar, and there’s a cocktail menu if you wish to kick off the evening in style. Ale aficionados will rejoice as they sup tip-top ales from the Borders, including Wye Valley IPA, Salopian Shropshire Gold, brewed in an old dairy in Hadnall just outside Shrewsbury, and a brew from Ironbridge Brewery.
Chicken goujons, mustard mayo
Whitebait, aioli
Mushrooms on toast with poached duck egg
11am – 11pm
What’s the Damage?
22 bedrooms; doubles £115-£225; single from £99.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £191; self-catering from £175 for 2-nights
What Else?
Gongs
AA 3 Star; Michelin Guide; Good Hotel Guide
Take it back home
Tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef, and seek out the roadside stalls selling the local crab and samphire on the inn’s menu, the Food Trail features the local artisan producers and suppliers where you can buy to enjoy at home.
Change of scenery
Looking for a pub for lunch following a country walk, a different venue for dinner, or a good café for coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, then the best in the area are listed below. If you find a new and exciting eatery in the area that’s worthy of a mention on the Food Trail, then please to do let us know – .
Inn Location - Lion & Pheasant
With one of the most alluring window displays imaginable, this Aladdin’s cave of a deli in Shrewsbury’s Wyle Cop specialises in local cheeses such as the award-winning Appleby’s cheese made in nearby Whitchurch. 01743 240180.
Andrew Turner and his family have been hand-roasting single variety and blended coffee beans since the early 1980s and as well as supplying most of the restaurants and cafes in the area. His charming shop on St Mary's Place sells a full range of coffees, loose teas, biscuits and chocolate.
Located at Castle Gates, this artisan bakery run by Kate and Martin makes a range of breads, cakes and pastries. The specialty Shropshire Whey bread uses the whey from local cheesemakers Appleby's.
Janette Rowlatt opened this quaint chocolate shop in 1999 and it now stocks a mouthwatering selection of specialist chocolates from all over the world, from bars to boxes.
In converted railway shed, this artisan brewery doesn't do guided tours as such but you can pick up bottles of brews like Ludlow Best and Black Knight from the shop and it also has its own small bar where you can taste before you buy.
Debra Reece and Des Walker run this organic food store at Castle Gates and it sells a fabulous selection of fruit and veg, cheeses, artisan bakery items, confectionery and kitchenware. 01743 366660.
Open since 1965, Shrewsbury Market Hall stands proud between Shoplatch and Claremont Street and the stalls sell a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fresh fish and deli products, as well as books, china, antiques, collectables and contemporary arts and crafts.
Family-run since 1842, this top-drawer wine merchants occupies a historic black and white timber-framed building in Shrewsbury's Wyle Cop - a street regarded as one of the best in the UK when it comes to independent shops.
For unbeatable views of the River Severn from the sun-drenched terrace/garden and spruced up bar (wood floors, beams, log fires, contemporary decor), seek out this historic riverside pub overlooking Quarry Park. Refurbished by the owners of the Lion & Pheasant in 2014, it offers local ales, hearty grills, roasts and home-made burgers.
's Wall & Housesteads Fort, Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 6NN One of the Roman Empire's most northerly outposts, Hadrian's Wall survives as a monument to the past. Learn all about the role it played during the Roman Occupation by visiting Housesteads Fort, between Haltwhistle and Hexham in the wilds of Northumberland.
This traditional and quirky old pub in Church Street is a local institution and the place to sup local ales over friendly banter with the regulars.
Inn Activities
Shopping
Places of interest - Filter results using pins Inn Location - Lion & Pheasant
Located near Oswestry, Park Hall is one of the region's most exciting all- weather, family-friendly attractions noted for its hands-on animal activities and two huge indoor play barns. For something a bit more sedate, take a look at the on-site museums and exhibitions.
After you've explored Shrewsbury's ancient streets, relax aboard the Sabrina and enjoy a 45-minute cruise on the river Severn, departing from Victoria Quay near the Welsh Bridge. Refreshments are available on board.
The Edge Adventure Activities Centre at Much Wenlock, south-east of Shrewsbury, offers the chance to indulge in a huge range of popular activities. There's clay pigeon shooting, archery, zip wire, quad biking and much more. It's a great venue for a family party or a birthday treat.
Opened in 1903 to connect Welshpool and the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this 2 foot 6 inch narrow-gauge steam railway survives today as a popular visitor attraction. All the trains are steam-hauled, taking you on a 16-mile return journey through the scenic countryside of Mid-Wales.
Shopping is a real pleasure at 55 Mill Street in Ludlow - a collection of traders housed among the historic buildings in this wonderful old town. Expect a treasure-trove of decorative antiques, French brocante (bric-a-brac), vintage clothing and textiles, architectural antiques and garden furniture. 01584 877200.
Bodenhams on Ludlow's picturesque Broad Street is the place to go for an extensive range of men's and ladies wear for use indoors or outdoors. The black-and-white timber-framed building in which the shop is based dates back more than 600 years.
Situated in the charming little Shropshire town of Church Stretton, Burway Books is a proudly independent bookshop where you can browse and buy to your heart's content. Expect to see some of the very collectable Lone Pine titles by Malcolm Saville - the stories are set in the locality.
Situated among Shrewsbury's many independent retailers and individual businesses, Candleglass, offers a wide range of giftware, various paintings by many of Britain's finest artists, ceramics, candles and cards.
With a portfolio of products extending to more than 3,000 items, Dickinson’s handles original artefacts and stocks everything from brassware and door knockers to sockets and Bakelite. This is where to come for the restoration, renovation and decoration of homes, gardens and furniture. They are have a shop on Corve Street in Ludlow.
In Shrewsbury’s Wyle Cop, Feather & Black is the ideal retailer if you’re looking for an excellent range of high-quality upholstered wooden and metal beds as well as occasional furniture. In addition, it stocks a selection of linens, bedding and accessories.
This boutique-style shop in Ludlow's elegant town centre offers a wide and striking range of inspiring items, including soft furnishings, furniture, table lamps, chandeliers and limited-edition prints, plus original works of art and jewellery.
Attingham Park is Shropshire's leading year-round attraction, and with its acres of parkland, miles of walks, walled kitchen garden and graceful mansion, you can see why it draws so many visitors.
Situated at Broseley to the south of Telford, National Trust-managed Benthall Hall explains the story of the Benthall family from the Saxon era to the present day. There's also a striking Restoration church, a restored plantsman's garden and an old kitchen garden. Look out, too, for the Elizabethan skittle alley and circular walks through the woodland.
Take a leisurely stroll around the medieval town of Bishops Castle and you'll find an impressive collection of arts, crafts and quirky independent shops.
Just outside Shrewsbury, Haughmond Abbey is a ruined Augustinian monastery, probably founded in the 12th century. Now managed by English Heritage, the abbey ruins - including part of the Chapter House - occupy a picturesque hillside setting.
One of Shropshire's most popular visitor attractions, Ironbridge Gorge is acknowledged as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. With 10 museums to explore, there's always plenty to see and so do at this World Heritage Site - designated for its history, geology and cultural heritage.
Based at Cosford, between Shifnal and Albrighton, the Royal Air Force Museum has over 70 aircraft of international importance housed in three wartime hangars. See the world's oldest Spitfire and visit the museum's acclaimed National Cold War Exhibition.
Close to the Welsh Borders, Shrewsbury is one of England's loveliest and most historic market towns. The river Severn loops around it and a stroll through its quaint streets reveals a host of fine buildings and ancient landmarks - including the Castle (now a regimental museum) and the world-famous Abbey.
It might come as a surprise to find this suburban villa on the outskirts of Telford. In fact, the house and grounds represent an Edwardian time capsule, transporting visitors back to country house living prior to the First World War. More specifically, Sunnycroft tells the story of a brewer, a widow and three generations of the Lander family.
www.walkinginshropshire.co.uk
www.shropshirewalking.co.uk
www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk
www.walkingbritain.co.uk
Shropshire is a cracking county for walkers. Everywhere you go there are hidden villages, peaceful river valleys and tracts of delightful countryside with ancient field patterns. Most walkers head for the remote, secret country of the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, Clee Hills and the Stiperstones – a fascinating, mysterious landscape steeped in folklore and legend. In Shrewsbury itself you can join the popular Severn Way, while several long-distance paths cut through the nearby Welsh Borders – including the Wye Valley Walk and the more famous Offa’s Dyke. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at the Craven Arms is a perfect starting point for exploring the region.
www.travelshropshire.co.uk
www.cycleshropshire.org.uk
If cycling is your thing, Shropshire also has plenty to offer. From Shrewsbury you’re soon out in the county’s glorious countryside and – depending on your schedule – you can explore the Marches to the west, the beautiful hills to the south or the natural and man-made wonders of Ironbridge Gorge to the east. The river Severn has cycle sections beside it, making a waterside bike ride a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.
www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk
www.shropshiretourism.co.uk
Shropshire has plenty of festivals, carnivals, fairs, shows and exhibitions throughout the year. The well-established Shrewsbury Flower Festival and the Tales from the Edge storytelling extravaganza at Much Wenlock are two very popular fixtures. There’s an annual Walking Festival at Ironbridge Gorge, while Ludlow has a Food Festival, a Spring Festival and a Medieval Christmas Fayre.
Located at the bottom of Wyle Cop in the centre of Shrewsbury, close to the River Severn.
Atmospheric old schoolhouse, now a cracking pub with imaginative all-day menu, gins galore, and cosy-smart rooms
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Truly a destination pub! The fabulous, daily changing menu and comfortable, eye-catching bedrooms are really worth the drive.
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Stephen Terry’s exciting menus and sublime cooking draw foodies to this informal culinary oasis; super smart rooms, too
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