Discovering Shrewsbury...

I always love the chance to explore a place I have not visited before and this weekend it was perfect timing because I felt like going away and I was invited to experience the historic town of Shrewsbury by Original Shrewsbury.*
We arrived on Saturday afternoon and I was immediately struck by the pretty architecture of the winding streets, which are lined with buildings which are often crooked and full of character due to their age. This medieval riverside town sits next to the River Severn and it is the type of place which makes you feel like exploring because there is so much to see everywhere, in fact I must have taken hundreds of photographs during my stay.

After our arrival, first on the itinerary was brunch, which was just what we needed after a long journey and we settled in at a cosy table for two in the charming Number Four, a café bistro in the heart of the town which specialises in delicious brunches and tasty lunches. 

We started the weekend in style with a glass of Prosecco for me and a beer for my partner, as we perused the menu, with options such as homemade fishcakes and croque monsieur to choose from.

We enjoyed bread with olive oil and balsamic as we awaited our food; there was so much amazing food on the neighbouring tables that I knew we were in for a treat!  

I was immediately drawn to the eggs Florentine, one of my favourite brunch dishes which consists of two poached eggs on a bed of spinach, served on toasted English muffins with Hollandaise sauce. The eggs were perfectly poached and the Hollandaise was creamy and rich with a subtle tang. I paired this with a side of home cut fries with Béarnaise sauce; the generous portion of crispy fries were the ideal accompaniment. 

My partner went for a tasty crispy chicken wrap and he too ordered a portion of fries with aioli. They were irresistible!

Number Four
4 Butcher Row,
 Shrewsbury
 SY1 1UW

www.number-four.com

After such a pleasant brunch we strolled to the hotel, Drapers Hall is a restaurant with rooms which dates back to 1485; it is tucked away on St Mary’s Place and the hotel offers individually designed suites and rooms with king sized beds and plenty of historic appeal thanks to winding wooden staircases and striking lighting.

We were warmly welcomed and shown to our room; we were booked in to the Teal Room, which had an elegant wooden carved bed and views of rooftops and church spires. 

Tea and coffee were provided and there was a television, armchair and books and magazines to make sure our stay was as relaxing as possible.

 The bathroom had a contemporary square edged bath and shower, gilt framed mirror and supplies of mini toiletries which are always handy on a trip away. 

Drapers Hall
St Mary's Place
Shrewsbury
SY1 1DZ

http://drapershallrestaurant.co.uk/

After a cup of coffee, we set off to explore some more and found ourselves enchanted by the sights such as Shrewsbury Abbey. Every street resonates with a sense of history; this was the birthplace of Charles Darwin, born in 1809 and there are over thirty churches to explore as well as cobbled lanes and The Market Hall used by drapers trading in woollen cloth in the 1600’s as well as farmers selling corn. There are numerous interesting streets with quirky names and impressive views await you around every corner. 

Later we headed back to the hotel to change for dinner, we had a table booked at The Lion and Pheasant, renowned for simple and delicious cuisine with seasonal elements, made with produce from Shropshire and beyond. The building is so charming with low wooden beams and candlelit tables and the service was excellent as was the food. 

We sipped Dona Paula Malbec as we enjoyed freshly baked bread with whipped lemon herb butter, which was incredibly light with subtle lemon flavour. 

An amuse bouche of silky spiced cauliflower soup with toasted almonds was a tantalising start to the meal.

I chose the butter poached turbot, tortellini, spring vegetables, crayfish cream sauce and lemon thyme oil which had a perfect balance of sophisticated, bright flavours.

My partner chose the seared sirloin and braised beef, ricotta gnocchi, wild garlic, chervil root, pied de mouton, bone marrow and brioche crumb, another beautifully presented dish with impressive flavours.

It was time for dessert and our first choice of a stunning lemon tart, pink peppercorn, dill iced parfait, Italian meringue and blood orange conjured up hazy summer warmth while the peppercorns added contrast. 

The second dessert of chocolate delice, salted caramel chocolate, caramelised pecan and condensed milk ice cream was a chocolate dream and indulgent without being overpowering, this was my idea of a perfect dessert. 

The Lion and Pheasant 

 49-50 Wyle Cop, 

Shrewsbury 

SY1 1XJ

www.lionandpheasant.co.uk

The next day we cruised along the River Severn on the Sabrina, a boat named after the water nymph said to guard the river. We soaked up the tranquil scenery as swans and ducks drifted by and we took in the many buildings of note which line the river. The 45 minute cruise is a good way to unwind and to see plenty of scenery, it is a must during a weekend break in Shrewsbury. 

Check out the Sabrina boat tour here:

www.sabrinaboat.co.uk/day-trips

All that fresh river air gave us an appetite, so we stopped off for lunch at the cheerful and bright vegan bistro O’Joy on Wyle Cop, which serves nutritious plant-based food.

My partner ordered the sandwich of pan fried vegan 'haggis', made from oats, seeds and vegetables and served with vegetable crisps and mixed leaves. This was a great lunchtime option which was satisfying and inventive. 

I chose the butternut squash soup, which was thick and hearty with a pleasantly earthy flavour and added texture from the topping of seeds. They also do a great breakfast menu here, with options including homemade baked beans on 3 grain organic flour toast. Don’t miss the vegan ‘cheese’ board too, which consists of a variety of cashew nut ‘cheeses’. 

O'Joy

81 Wyle Cop, 

Shrewsbury
 SY1 1UT

www.ojoywellness.com

Shrewsbury is described as ‘the original one-off’ and I have to agree, I was enthralled by this unique town where there is so much to see and do. I will definitely be returning as it makes the ideal place for a short break, with plenty of places to explore, eat, drink and shop. Thank you to Original Shrewsbury for hosting us for this trip, we loved discovering the town and I can't wait to return.

http://www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk/

What do you all think, do you like the sound of a historic town with so much to see and do and have you ever visited Shrewsbury? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post.

Until next time,

Camille 

xo

* My accommodation, meals and activities were complimentary for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are my own and honest.