Your Shrewsbury Week: Art's Trail, Foodie Finds & Local Wins

Hello Shrewsbury. We hope you're all set for another exciting week ahead.

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

This week's edition includes:

🎨 Arts & Culture: The Shrewsbury Arts Trail 2025 opens for submissions, plus a new winter-inspired "Forage" exhibition at Swan Hill Studios.
🍽️ Food & Drink Delights: From wine tastings to special dinner events at local eateries, there's plenty to tempt your taste buds this week.
🎭 Darwin Festival Finale: Catch the final events of this year's celebration of our town's famous son before they wrap up.
🏆 Local Business Success: Tanners Wines brings home a prestigious industry award - we've got all the details.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Half Term Fun: Keep the kids entertained with our guide to family-friendly activities around town.
📸 Photo of the Week: Stunning snowdrops herald the first signs of spring around our beautiful town.

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 organiser.

FOOD & DRINK 🍽️

Scandinavian Small Plates Night @ CSONS

📅 Date: Thursday, 20th February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: CSONS, 8 Milk Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1SZ
🍽 Book a table: Here

CSONS Shrewsbury is hosting a Scandinavian-inspired small plates evening, featuring dishes like venison with juniper sauce and hasselback potatoes with dill butter. A curated feast designed to share, with an optional matched cocktail pairing available.

Whisky Tasting with Wrekin Whiskies

📅 Date: Friday, 21st February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Venue: The Prince Rupert Hotel, Butcher Row, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UQ
🎟 Tickets: Here

Explore a range of single malt whiskies from the renowned Speyside region, featuring both well-known names and lesser-known gems. Hosted in the Darwin Room at The Prince Rupert Hotel, this tasting offers a relaxed setting with limited spaces available.

Meet the Producers @ Tanners

📅 Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: Tanners Wines, 26 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XD
🎟 Tickets: Here

Step inside one of Shrewsbury’s oldest secular buildings for a guided tour through Tanners’ historic headquarters on Wyle Cop. Enjoy a glass of Tanners Cava before exploring the cellars, passageways, and rooms of this fascinating property, dating back to the 15th century.

Discover its past, from its former uses to its role in the 1984 adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Each guest will take home a bottle of Cava, included in the ticket price.

Gin Therapy - 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 a Pink Gin Extravaganza at Gindifferent, where you'll explore six premium pink gins, sip on three expertly crafted cocktails, and savour a selection of locally sourced nibbles. Whether you're a seasoned gin lover or just starting out, this guided tasting—led by a qualified Gin-ologist—offers a fun and flavour-packed evening in a relaxed and stylish setting.

Women in Wine Tasting

📅 Date: Wednesday, 5th March 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: Glou Glou, 17a Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Discover new wines without committing to a bottle at Glou Glou’s monthly wine tasting. Each session follows a different theme, with March celebrating female winemakers alongside staff favourites from the incredible women at Glou.

The tasting runs from 7 PM – 9 PM, but the bar is open from 4 PM – 11 PM, so there’s plenty of time to stay for another glass.

Champagne Fizz Fish & Chips

📅 Date: Friday, 14th March 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: St Vincent, 11A Fish Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UR
🎟 Tickets: Here

Celebrate a classic British favourite with a luxurious twist. This tasting event pairs traditional fish and chips with premium Champagnes, showcasing how the crisp acidity and fine bubbles complement the dish. Before the main event, enjoy a selection of three sparkling wines, including a Prosecco, to set the scene for an evening of great flavours.

COMMUNITY & OTHER 🤝

Galentine’s Flower Workshop

📅 Date: Wednesday, 19th February 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: A Taste of Tanners, Shrewsbury
🔗 More details: Here

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a relaxing flower arranging workshop hosted by The Flower Stand in a cosy setting just off Wyle Cop. Learn to create a beautiful floral arrangement with all materials, tools, and refreshments provided. £60 per person, see instagram post above for details.

Gentle Yoga with Hattie

📅 Date: Friday, 21st February 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Quaker Meeting House, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury
🔗 More details: Here

Join Hattie Yoga for a gentle Friday morning session designed to stretch and relax both body and mind. This class focuses on nourishing movements and is suitable for beginners or those looking for a slower-paced practice. Message Hattie Yoga on Facebook to book.

Charity Quiz Night at 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 night of food, fun, and friendly competition at this Charity Quiz Night in support of Headway Shropshire. Gather a team of up to four and put your knowledge to the test with a mix of quiz questions. Entry is £12 per team, with quiz prizes and a raffle on the night.

Tea & Biscuits presents: Funny Valentines

📅 Date: Friday, 21st February 2025
⏰ Time: Doors open 7:00 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
🎟 Tickets: Here

Get ready for a night of love, laughter, and drag at Funny Valentines! Hosted by local queens Cruella de Phil and Amaranta del Toro, this variety show is packed with singing, lip-sync battles, games, and plenty of tea-spilling.

Shrewsbury Film Society: 1976

📅 Date: Friday, 28th February 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Hive, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Experience 1976, a gripping Chilean drama set three years after General Pinochet’s coup. As political opponents are hunted down, an unexpected act of refuge sets two lives on an unforeseen course. Presented by Shrewsbury Film Society.

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:

Day Party comes to Shrewsbury

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Free After Party until late)
📍 Venue: The Buttermarket, Howard Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2, United Kingdom
🎟 Tickets: Here

Get ready for a unique daytime clubbing experience in Shrewsbury! Perfect for the 25+ crowd, this day party promises a nostalgic throwback with 80s, 90s, and 00s tunes, DJs, dancers, disco balls, and confetti showers. It’s all the excitement of a nightclub, but during the day, so you’ll be home in bed by 10pm

Late Night at the Market Hall

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
⏰ Time: Late Night Event
📍 Venue: Market Hall, Shrewsbury
🔗 More details: Here

Shrewsbury’s first Late Night event of 2025 is here—a month earlier than usual! Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks, live music, and boutique shopping in the Market Hall’s unique atmosphere. Sip on classy cocktails, world flavours, and fine wines, while browsing a selection of lifestyle and vintage stalls.

🕙 Bars open until 10 PM
🍽 Eateries open until 9 PM
🛍 Retail stalls open until 7/8 PM
🚪 Last entry: 9:30 PM

More community events

🔢 Bingo Night
📍 Floro Lounge, Pride Hill, Shrewsbury
⏰ Tues 18th Feb, 7:00 PM
🔗 Details

☕️ Assembley Roast x Oath Coffee
📍 Oath Coffee, 39-40 Castle Street, Shrewsbury
⏰ Thurs 27th Feb, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🔗 Details

💼 Collectively (International Woman’s Day)
📍 Cat’s Pyjamas, 6 The Square, Shrewsbury
⏰ Thurs 6th Mar, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
🔗 Details

DARWIN FESTIVAL 🔍🐚

February is in full swing, and the DarwIN Festival continues to celebrate Shrewsbury’s most famous son, Charles Darwin. With a fantastic lineup of talks, exhibitions, and activities, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Darwin’s legacy and his groundbreaking contributions to science and nature.

Here are some of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss:

• Thursday, 20th February 2025 – Fabulous Fossils

• Thursday, 20th February 2025 – Voyage of Discovery: Charles Darwin, HMS Beagle and the Marvels of the World He Discovered

• Friday, 21st February 2025 – Darwin, Butler & St Mary’s Shrewsbury: A Schoolboy and His Headmaster

• Tuesday, 25th February 2025 – Spotlight Talk: Evolving Ideas - Darwin and Beyond

• Friday, 28th February 2025 – Voyage of the Beagle by John Biddulph + Ashia Vaughan (Presented by SY.Gigs)

• Saturday, 1st March 2025 – Sunday, 1st March 2026 – Darwin and Evolution Education Workshops

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

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Letz Zep - Europe's #1 Led Zeppelin Tribute

📅 Date: Saturday, 22nd February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Show starts at 7:30 PM)
📍 Venue: Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Experience the electrifying sound of Led Zeppelin with Letz Zep, Europe’s top tribute act. Having performed across six continents, they’ve even earned praise from Robert Plant himself. With exceptional musicianship and an authentic stage presence, this is the closest you’ll get to seeing Led Zeppelin live.

Four Seasons & Lark Ascending by Candlelight

📅 Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025
⏰ Time: 5:15 PM – Doors open | 6:00 PM – Concert begins
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Abbey, 25 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6BS
🎟 Tickets: Here

Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of classical music as London Concertante brings their sell-out Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending by Candlelight concert to Shrewsbury Abbey. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece alongside Vaughan Williams’ soaring The Lark Ascending, all performed by some of the UK’s finest musicians.

Shrewsbury Nightlife

🎸 DJ: Innerkey @ Oil
⏰ Fri 21st Feb, 8:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Ronaldos Live @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Fri 21st Feb, 7:00 PM
🎟 Details

🎸 The Unknown @ The Mill (Leighton)
⏰ Sat 22nd Feb, 8:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Classic Blues Show Live @ Loppington Village Hall
⏰ Sat 22nd Feb, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 This is Underground @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Sat 22nd Feb, 7:00 PM
🎟 Details

🎸 90s Party Night @ The Beeches (Bayston Hill)
⏰ Sat 22nd Feb, 8:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Mi Amigo Project @ Oil
⏰ Sat 22nd Feb, 9:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 Guttersnipe @ The Crown (Abbey Foregate)
⏰ Sun 23rd Feb, 5:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 Koda @ The Kings Head
⏰ Sun 23rd Feb, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 The Modern Country Show @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Sun 23rd Feb, 4:00 PM
🎟 Details

CRAFT & CREATE 🎨

Family Craft at Attingham (Half Term)

📅 Date: Tuesday, 18th February 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
📍 Venue: Attingham Park, Atcham, SY4 4TP, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Get creative at Attingham this half term! Join a seasonal craft session in the Orangery, where you can choose from two craft options and let your creativity flow. Your finished masterpiece is yours to take home! Sessions run on 18th & 20th February and cost £2 per crafter.

Portrait Painting Introduction with Lucy Caddel

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Trinity Centre, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Enhance your portrait painting skills in this full-day workshop, focusing on capturing realistic skin tones with acrylics. Under the guidance of experienced instructor Lucy Caddel, you'll create a head-and-shoulders portrait on an A3 cradled birch panel (provided).

Please bring a high-quality, pre-approved photograph of your subject, along with your own brushes and acrylic paints (recommendations available). Light refreshments will be provided, but don't forget to bring your own lunch.

Create Your Own Art Wall @ Artisan Lab

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th March 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Venue: The Artisan Lab, Parade Shops, St Mary's Place, Shrewsbury, SY1 1DL
🎟 Tickets: Here

Get creative with a print and collage workshop, where you'll design your own personalised A4 artwork using a mix of coloured, monochrome, printed, and patterned papers.

Enjoy 90 minutes of artistic mindfulness with herbal tea or Prosecco, and take home your own unique piece of affordable art. Bring an idea for inspiration or create spontaneously on the day.

Functional Fitness that Makes a Difference

Looking to build strength, improve mobility, or boost your athletic performance? Studio One offers personalised training that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Whether you're interested in one-to-one coaching, small group sessions, or youth strength and conditioning, James brings expert guidance and functional training that works in real life.

Complete our quick contact form here to learn more about sessions and pricing, or to book your first visit at the convenient Coleham location.

LOCAL NEWS THIS WEEK 📰

Shrewsbury Arts Trail 2025 Now Open for Submissions

The popular Shrewsbury Arts Trail has announced its return for 2025, with artist submissions now being accepted for the August exhibition.

The event will run from 1st to 31st August and features no set theme this year, giving artists complete creative freedom to express themselves.

Works will be displayed at both Shrewsbury Museum and The Parade Shops Community Gallery, offering exposure to tens of thousands of visitors throughout the month.

The prestigious event provides local artists the opportunity to exhibit alongside nationally and internationally recognised creators while connecting with Shropshire's thriving artistic community.

Awards:

• Judges' Prize: £150 Callaghan Framing voucher

• People's Choice Award: £100 art supplies from Paperwrite

Entry Fees:

• 1 entry: £9

• 2 entries: £13

• 3 entries: £16

• Additional entries: £6 each

Artists interested in participating must submit their work by the deadline of 17th May 2025. The exhibition receives coverage from both local and national press, making it an excellent opportunity for artists looking to gain wider recognition for their work.

For full details, submission forms and terms & conditions, visit here.

"Forage" Exhibition Celebrates Winter's Quiet Beauty at Swan Hill Studios

Swan Hill Studios is proud to present "Forage," a thoughtful group exhibition that invites visitors to explore the understated elegance of winter landscapes through diverse artistic perspectives.

The show brings together works in various media—from landscapes and ceramics to abstract pieces—that capture winter's serene palette, inherent stillness, and promise of renewal. At its core, "Forage" examines the artistic process as an act of discovery, finding meaning and beauty in nature's often overlooked details.

Featured artists include Stephanie Eufemia, Camilla Jane Gittins, Kaori Okada Hood, and Sam Pooley-Stride, each bringing their unique vision to the exhibition's themes of simplicity and impermanence.

Visitors are encouraged to take time for reflection and contemplation of winter's subtle beauty—a season that offers rest and quiet preparation for spring's arrival.

Event Details:

• Private View: Thursday, 27th February 2025, 5-8pm (all artists in attendance)

• Exhibition Dates: Friday, 28th February - Friday, 7th March 2025

• Opening Hours: 10am-4pm daily

• Location: Swan Hill Studios, 17A Swan Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 1NL

Tanners Wines Wins Regional Chain of the Year Award

Local wine merchant Tanners Wines has won the prestigious Regional Chain of the Year award at the annual Drinks Retailing Awards ceremony held at The Dorchester in London.

The Shropshire-based company, which has branches throughout The Marches, beat strong competition from independent merchants in Oxford, Cambridge and Birmingham to secure the honour.

Judges praised the long-established merchant, noting: "Tanners has been selling fine wines and spirits since the mid-19th century – and its reputation remains undimmed almost 200 years later as it constantly reinvents itself to remain relevant to contemporary audiences."

Read the full story.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

This week’s photos capture the beauty of snowdrops at Attingham Park, taken by Christopher Jones.

These images highlight the simplicity and charm of the season’s first flowers.

A big thank you again to Christopher for allowing us to share these amazing photos.

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

QUESTION OF THE WEEK 🗣️

This week, we're shining a light on the local art scene, especially with the exciting new arts trail and exhibitions happening around town.

We’d love to know: Which local Shrewsbury artist’s work do you find inspiring?

Whether it's someone you’ve discovered recently or an artist you've followed for years, share with us who’s been making an impression.

Reply to this email and let us know.

Last week, we asked: What’s your favourite restaurant in town for a special night out? 

Some of the top answers were Kanu Poke, The Walrus, and La Lanterna – a delicious selection of spots for any occasion.

Need a venue for your event or workshop?

Raven Studios, located at the English Bridge, offers a flexible, affordable hall for a wide range of community events, including music, art workshops, band practices, and wellbeing groups.

As a community interest venue, it supports local initiatives and can be easily adapted for workshops, performances, and group gatherings. For availability and rates, contact them today to book your spot.

Please mention Shrewsbury Scoop if you contact them on Instagram.

SPORTS DIGEST 🏆

Shrewsbury Town Football Club ⚽

Bolton Victory Deals Blow to Shrewsbury's Survival Hopes

Shrewsbury Town's relegation worries deepened after a 3-2 home defeat to Bolton Wanderers despite taking an early lead.

Vadaine Oliver put Salop ahead in the 20th minute, tucking in after John Marquis' effort rebounded off the crossbar. The visitors responded after the break with Eoin Toal's equaliser, before John McAtee scored twice to put Bolton firmly in control.

Luca Hoole's late strike wasn't enough for Town, who remain four points from safety in the League One table.

Crucial Home Fixtures Ahead

Town face two important home games:

• Tuesday (Feb 18) vs Huddersfield (5th) - 7:45pm

• Saturday (Feb 22) vs Stevenage (12th) - 3:00pm

Shrewsbury Town Women

Shrewsbury Town Women bowed out of the County Cup after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Whitchurch Alport at the Community Pitch earlier today.

The match, which was switched to a home fixture for Town, ended 1-1 after normal time before Whitchurch prevailed 3-0 in the shootout to advance to the next round.

Shrewsbury Hockey Club 🏑

Next weekend at Shrewsbury Hockey Club, there’s a full schedule with matches across various divisions. On Saturday, 22nd February, the men’s and women’s teams will play across multiple divisions, including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th teams.

There are also youth fixtures for the U12 Boys and Girls at Wrekin College. Games include competitive league matches and friendly fixtures, with the day starting early at 9:15 AM and running through to 4:00 PM.

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.

Our mailing address below is in New York, but this is because our email provider is based there and we have to display an address. We’ll update this with a Shrewsbury address as soon as we can! Thanks.