Your Shrewsbury Week: Valentine’s Plans, Exciting Reopenings & What’s On

Hello Shrewsbury. We hope you all had a fantastic week and are looking forward to another exciting week of events, local news, and great finds.

Here’s your latest scoop on everything happening in and around town.

This week’s edition includes:

💖 Valentine’s Specials – From romantic dinners to creative date nights, check out the best Valentine’s events, menus, and offers around Shrewsbury.
🎨 Shrewsbury Arts & Crafts Reopens – The popular arts hub is back with a stunning makeover, showcasing the best of local talent at its historic Perches House location.
🎭 Events Round-Up – A packed week of gigs, talks, workshops, and more—there’s something for everyone.
📺 Shrewsbury in the Spotlight – Our town will be featured on Channel 5’s Tales from the Riverbank this week, plus an extra comedy night has been added to the festival lineup.

Let’s dive in.

Disclaimer: Please note that events listed in this newsletter are subject to change. While we make every effort to provide accurate details, we cannot be held liable for any alterations to dates, times, locations, pricing, or content after the email is sent. We recommend checking directly with the event venue for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, we are not responsible for any external links included in this newsletter. Always verify event details with the official event organizer.

FOOD & DRINK 🍽️

Tanners Supper Club: A Taste of Rioja

📅 Date: Thursday, 20th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Venue: Tanners Wine, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Kick off 2025 with a wine tour of Rioja at Tanners' first supper club of the year. Enjoy a four-course meal by Ed Potter of Oak Apple Catering, expertly paired with two wines per course, showcasing the flavours of this renowned Spanish region.

Pink Gin Extravagansa

📅 Date: Friday, 28th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
📍 Venue: St Vincent, 11a Fish Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UR
🎟 Tickets: Here

Enjoy an evening of Pink Gin Extravaganza at St Vincent! This guided tasting experience features six premium pink gin samples, three expertly crafted cocktails, and a selection of locally sourced nibbles.

Discover unique flavours and learn from a qualified Gin-ologist in a stylish and welcoming setting.

VALENTINE’S DAY 💘

Valentine’s Steak Night

📅 Date: Friday, 14th February – Sunday, 16th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM (14th Feb) – 10:00 PM (16th Feb)
📍 Venue: Albrighton Hall and Hotel, Ellesmere Road, Albrighton, SY4 3AG, Shrewsbury
🔗 More details: Here

Enjoy a special Steak Night with a three-course, flame-grilled feast in the Oak Room, complete with a bottle of wine for £80 per couple. Available from the 14th to the 16th of February, this indulgent dining experience is perfect for a cosy evening out.

For an extra treat, extend the romance with an overnight stay, including a full English breakfast, from just £99 per couple. Advanced booking required.

Couple’s Paint & Sip @ Floro Lounge

📅 Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: Floro Lounge, 46 Pride Hill, Shrewsbury, SY1 1DN
🎟 Tickets: Here

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a fun, creative evening at Couples Painting at Floro Lounge. Each couple will paint half of a shared image, which comes together to form one large masterpiece. Whether you're with your partner or a friend, it's a great way to enjoy a night of art, wine, and charity support for Little Stars.

Valentines Self-Love Affirmation Wreath Making

📅 Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Salon, 3/4 Shoplatch, Shrewsbury, SY1 1HF
🎟 Tickets: Here

Celebrate self-love this Valentine’s Day by creating your own affirmation wreath. This relaxed workshop provides all the materials needed to craft a heart-shaped wreath filled with positive affirmations.

Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you take time to reflect and create something meaningful to take home.

Paint & Sip @ Kanu Poke

📅 Date: Sunday, 16th February 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Venue: Kanu Poke, 5 Roushill, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PQ
🎟 Tickets: Here

Celebrate Valentine's in a unique and creative way at this fun, artsy event where you and a friend or loved one can create your own Koi Carp masterpiece.

No previous art experience required—simply follow the step-by-step instructions from resident artist Katie, co-creator of Kanu Poke. You'll be provided with a free drink, all the painting materials, and a canvas to take home.

Shrewsbury Valentine’s Dining

If you’re looking to treat someone special this Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury offering exclusive menus and deals to make your celebration unforgettable:

• Hencote Estate

• Lion & Pheasant

• Number Four

• House of the Rising Sun

• Floro Lounge

• Pequeno Burro

• St Vincent

• The Loopy Shrew

• The Walrus

COMMUNITY & OTHER 🤝

Shrewsbury Dialogues: Professor Matthew Leeke

📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Moser Library, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Shrewsbury Dialogues presents an insightful talk by Professor Matthew Leeke on smart cities, machine learning, and privacy. As a leading expert in computer science and a Founding Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute, Matthew will explore how technology can tackle the challenges of growing urban populations.

The seminar will also offer a glimpse into studying computer science at a Russell Group university, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in AI, data science, or the future of our cities.

Shrewsbury Poetry

📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
🔗 More details: Here

Join Shrewsbury Poetry for an evening with poet Paul Mortimer, along with open mic opportunities. A friendly community event where poetry lovers can come together to listen, share, and connect.

Mad Jack's Comedy Club

📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Morris Hall, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Mad Jack’s Comedy Club returns this February with an incredible line-up featuring Jarred Christmas and Gavin Webster, alongside resident MC Danny McLoughlin.

Jarred, known for his energetic storytelling and TV appearances on Mock the Week, will bring his quick wit to the stage, while Gavin, an award-winning comedian with over 7,000 gigs worldwide, adds his unique flavour.

With Danny hosting, expect a night packed with laughs and great vibes

Shrewsbury Film Society: Past Lives

📅 Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
🎟 Tickets: Here

Experience Past Lives, a poignant drama presented by Shrewsbury Film Society. This critically acclaimed film follows two childhood friends from Korea who reunite in New York years later, reflecting on love, fate, and the paths not taken.

Free Family Events at Shrewsbury Flamxill Maltings

Looking forward to the February break after a busy start to the school year? Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings have the perfect opportunity to relax to and have fun.

Here are their half term events:

Moonbeam Magic by Maeflower Dance

📅 Date: February – March 2025 (Meole Brace)
⏰ Time: Fridays at 6:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM (see below)
📍 Venue: Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, SY3 9JP
🎟 No ticket required

Maeflower Dance presents Moonbeam Magic, an enchanting dance performance that’s suitable for all ages. This show is raising funds for Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, and you can catch it at Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall on select dates in February and March.

Meole Brace Dates:

• Fridays: 14th & 28th February, 7th March at 6:00 PM

• Saturdays: 15th February & 1st March at 2:00 PM

• Sundays: 16th February, 2nd & 9th March at 2:00 PM

Charity Quiz Night @ Ego at The Grapes

📅 Date: Friday, 21st February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: Ego at the Grapes, Welshpool Rd, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 5BH
🔗 More details: Here

Enjoy a fun-filled Charity Quiz Night at Ego at the Grapes, with proceeds supporting Headway Shropshire. Gather your team of up to 4 people, test your quiz knowledge, and enjoy a night of friendly competition.

The quiz will feature a variety of questions and there will be prizes, along with a raffle to add to the excitement. See above link on how to book your place.

Shrewsbury Dialogues: Dr Gil Greengross

📅 Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Moser Library, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Shrewsbury Dialogues presents Dr Gil Greengross, a psychology lecturer at Aberystwyth University, exploring the fascinating psychology behind magic. From perception and deception to attention and belief systems, this talk reveals why magic captivates us and what makes magicians unique.

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Jazz in the Barnes

📅 Date: Thursday, 13th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Barnes Theatre, Shrewsbury, SY3 7AA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Enjoy an evening of vibrant live music at Jazz in the Barnes, a much-loved highlight of the school calendar. Featuring performances from the Jazz Band and Big Band, along with special vocal guests, this lively event promises something for everyone.

Proceeds go to Foodbank Plus, so come along for a great night while supporting a worthy cause.

LOOPFEST - Save The Hive Live

📅 Date: Saturday, 15th February 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
🎟 Tickets: Here

Loopfest brings a night of live music in support of The Hive, featuring an exciting lineup including Ego Friendly, Softboys, Untamed Shrews, Weekend Dad, Asswolf, Dead on Arrival, Sour Rivalry, and Ethan Prior-Ryan.

Shrewsbury Nightlife

🎸 Something 4 The Weekend @ The Salopian
⏰ Fri 14th Feb, 8:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 DJ: Beatmouse @ Oil
⏰ Fri 14th Feb, 8:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Diana Ross Story @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Fri 14th Feb, 6:00 PM
🎟 Details

🎸 The Cavs x Little Strange @ Oil
⏰ Sat 15th Feb, 9:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Endings Celtic Night @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Sat 15th Feb, 7:00 PM
🎟 Details

🎸 DJ Night: Motas @ House of Grain
⏰ Sat 15th Feb, 7:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Taylor Swift Eras Party @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Sun 16th Feb, 7:00 PM
🎟 Details

DARWIN FESTIVAL 🔍🐚

February sees the continuation of the DarwIN Festival, a celebration of Shrewsbury’s most famous son, Charles Darwin.

The festival is filled with talks, exhibitions, and activities, offering fascinating insights into Darwin's contributions to science, nature, and history.

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming events:

• Wednesday, 12th February 2025 – Annual Birthday Toast to Charles Darwin

• Wednesday, 12th February 2025 – Charles Darwin's 216th Birthday Celebration: Natural Selection in Sound – An Evening in His Birthplace

• Thursday, 13th February 2025 – Charles Darwin's Shrewsbury

• Friday, 14th February 2025 – Darwin House and Grounds Tour

• Monday, 17th February 2025 – Sunday, 23rd February 2025 – Darwin’s Wiggly Worms!

• Tuesday, 18th February 2025 – Spotlight Talk: Galapagos – The Islands, the Science, the Myths

For a full list of events, visit Original Shrewsbury and Eventbrite.

CRAFT & CREATE 🎨

Knit & Natter at Abakhan Shrewsbury

📅 Date: Monday, 10th February 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Venue: Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby & Home, 18 Market Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LE
🎟 Tickets: Here

Whether you're a knitting pro or just starting out, the Knit & Natter group at Abakhan Shrewsbury is the perfect place to get creative and connect with fellow makers. Bring your current project or join in on a shared one while swapping tips, patterns, and plenty of conversation.

Drink & Draw with Anna Moszynska

📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: GlouGlou, 17a Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, SY1 2AD
🎟 Tickets: Here

Unleash your creativity at Drink & Draw with artist and educator Anna Moszynska. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this relaxed, social drawing session offers the perfect opportunity to experiment, with a little guidance if you wish—and a glass of wine in hand. February’s theme is Carnevale, promising plenty of colourful inspiration.

Galentines Workshop with The Flower Stand

📅 Date: Thursday, 20th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: GlouGlou, 17a Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, SY1 2AD
🎟 Tickets: Here

Celebrate friendship and creativity at the Galentines Workshop with The Flower Stand. Led by expert florist Will, this hands-on session will guide you through creating a stunning hat box floral arrangement.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of laughter, learning, and a glass of wine on arrival. All materials are provided, and with GlouGlou’s bar open until 11:00 PM, there’s plenty of time to keep the celebrations going.

LOCAL NEWS THIS WEEK 📰

Local Treasure Reopens: Shrewsbury Arts and Crafts Unveils Fresh Look

Shrewsbury Arts and Crafts has thrown open its doors once again, revealing a stunning transformation at its historic Perches House location behind St Mary's Church. The shop's new interior, designed by Anna from Dutch Living, draws inspiration from the Shrewsbury Arts Trail exhibition, featuring elegant Stiffkey Blue and touches of gold leaf throughout the space.

Now home to works from 30 of the region's finest artists and makers, the shop offers an eclectic mix of treasures including silver jewellery, glasswork, pottery, and felted artwork. Local artists' works are beautifully displayed throughout – from eye-catching glass sun catchers to characterful ceramics, and from original paintings to handcrafted slate coasters.

You can find this artistic haven at Perches House in Windsor Place, Shrewsbury. The shop welcomes visitors every week except Tuesdays and Sundays. Early customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with sales reflecting the community's enthusiasm for the refreshed space.

Whether you're a long-time supporter of local arts or simply looking for something unique, this beautifully renovated shop offers a delightful browsing experience showcasing the best of Shropshire's creative talent.

Additional Comedy Night Added to Festival Line-up

St Mary's Church will host viral sensation Mrs Smith on July 10th as part of the 2025 Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival.

The former primary school teacher, known for her witty takes on education and daily school life, will perform following the festival's first church show featuring Mick Miller and Nina Gilligan on July 9th.

Tickets are £19.50, available through Theatre Severn's box office or website. Festival director Beth McGowan describes Mrs Smith as a "teacher-Banksy," keeping her identity secret until she takes the stage.

Shrewsbury to Feature on Clare Balding's River Series

Mark your calendars for February 13th at 8 PM when Channel 5's "Tales from the Riverbank" showcases Shrewsbury and the River Severn.

The episode will feature Clare Balding exploring Darwin House with historian John Hughes, followed by a journey on the Sabrina Boat with Dilwyn Jones to discover the famous river loop.

The program promises to highlight both the natural beauty and rich history of our town's iconic waterway.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

One of Shrewsbury's most distinctive landmarks, St Chad's Church stands proudly overlooking the Quarry with its unique circular design and towering spire.

The church holds special significance as the baptism place of Charles Darwin in 1809, and today continues to be a vibrant part of town life with its welcoming motto: "open doors, open hearts, and open minds”.

Submit your photo of Shrewsbury to @ShrewsburyScoop on Instagram or Facebook to be featured next time.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK 🗣️

Since we’ve included plenty of great restaurant options for Valentine’s Day in this issue, we’re curious to know: What’s your favourite restaurant in town for a special night out?

Whether it’s a cosy café, a fine dining gem, or a hidden spot that never disappoints, we’d love to hear where you go for that perfect meal.

Reply to this email and let us know.

Last week, we asked: What’s your favourite stall in Shrewsbury Market Hall?

The top responses were Barkworths fish, House of Yum and Wild Street Kitchen.

SPORTS DIGEST 🏆

Shrewsbury Town Football Club ⚽

Salop Secure Vital Victory at Rotherham

Shrewsbury Town continued their fight for League One survival with an impressive 2-1 away victory at Rotherham United's New York Stadium on Saturday. The win, their second in succession, featured a dramatic final quarter that saw three goals in nine minutes.

Taylor Perry broke the deadlock on 68 minutes, marking his first goal for the club in his 70th appearance with a well-placed right-foot shot. Though Rotherham's Hakeem Odoffin equalized from Joe Powell's cross, John Marquis quickly restored Salop's lead just a minute later, converting Perry's assist from close range.

The victory lifts Gareth Ainsworth's side to 22nd place, level on points with Burton Albion and now within striking distance of safety, just four points behind 20th-placed Peterborough United.

Crucial Midweek Clash

Town face another crucial test on Tuesday night (February 11th) as they travel to 8th-placed Reading for an 8pm kick-off. A positive result against the promotion-chasing Royals would further boost their survival hopes, with 16 games remaining after this fixture.

Transfer Window Update

Shrewsbury strengthened their squad in January with five new additions, most recently securing experienced striker Vadaine Oliver on loan from Bradford City until the season's end.

The 33-year-old forward, who sits just three goals shy of a career century, joins recent arrivals Jamal Blackman, Callum Stewart, Dom Gape, and Ricardo Dinanga as Ainsworth reshapes his squad for the relegation battle ahead.

Gareth Ainsworth visits Shrewsbury Shops

Shrewsbury Town FC manager Gareth Ainsworth has been spotted exploring local businesses, with his latest visit to Studio 67, showing his support for independent shops in the town. Check out his visit here.

Shrewsbury Town Women

Shrewsbury Town Women traveled to the F. Ball Community Stadium today to face Leek Town (by the time you're reading this, the match will be over - fingers crossed for another win for our women's team!).

Check the club's social media channels for the final score and match highlights.

Shrewsbury Hockey Club 🏑

Shrewsbury Hockey Club’s U12 and U14 teams will be in action on Saturday, 15th February, with both boys’ and girls’ squads facing Felsted School in a series of friendly matches at Wrekin College.

With all games kicking off at 11:15 AM, it promises to be a great day of youth hockey competition.

Events, Clubs & More

If you would like Shrewsbury Scoop to feature your sports club or event, please reply to this email with the details and we can include it in future newsletters.

GET IN TOUCH 👋 

If you have something you'd like to share or be featured, whether it’s a pet story, eco-friendly tips, or a special business promotion, we’d love to hear from you.

Reply to this email or let us know on Facebook or Instagram what sections you'd like to see, or if you have content to share for these exciting new additions.

Thank You

Thank you for reading Shrewsbury Scoop this week and supporting local business.

Be sure to share the newsletter with anyone else who would enjoy it!

See you next week,

Will - Shrewsbury Scoop.

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