St Patrick's Day in Shrewsbury

Modelling a green jumper especially for the occasion, I joined my Chip Foundation colleagues in eager anticipation of sampling St Patrick's Day in Shropshire's county town. With the prospects good for conquering castles and relaxing by the river, the scene was set for us to have a truly 'smashing' adventure...

- Gunning for Glory -

Tuesday March 17th then as we converge upon Wolverhampton railway station in readiness for the 10:25 train. We've received apologies from honorary member Ken who is unfortunately unable to join us today, but Mr B and HRH Nickolenko are both present and correct to ensure good value with our London Midland Group Save ticket deal. The train journey is a smooth one, reaching Shrewsbury at quarter past eleven just perfectly for an initial castle photo call with the regimental guns getting some close attention. 

- Laura's Tower -

Shrewsbury Castle was originally a medieval sandstone fortress built by Roger de Montgomery with the site later having some significance during the English Civil War. The Great Hall is nowadays home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum while Laura's Tower (constructed by Thomas Telford on the site of the historic motte) offers impressive views looking out across the River Severn towards Abbey Foregate and the Wrekin - or at least it would do if it wasn't murky and raining!

- A Dose of Darwin -

Across the road from Shrewsbury Castle is another impressive landmark in the form of the town's library. A statue of Charles Darwin sits proudly outside, reflecting the fact that the eminent naturalist was born in the town and educated in this very building (The Shrewsbury School was originally based here prior to relocating in 1882).

- Hedgehog Handover -

Our first pub of the day would be the Dolphin, situated on St Michael's Street next to the fire station and not far from the historic Flax Mill. Joule's have done an excellent job in creating a nostalgic atmosphere here, the pub providing the perfect setting for Stephen to present Nick with an illustrated hedgehog in honour of the recently-acquired Horace. Some Black Hole Porter was an enjoyable opening tipple as we admired rustic floorboards and parlour panelling.

- Quarry Park Fountain -

If the Dolphin evoked the sense of a traditional alehouse, our next watering hole was almost the complete opposite. Indeed, Montgomery's Tower more closely resembles a modern leisure centre or swimming pool but its inclusion in the 2015 Good Beer Guide meant we gave it a try, assuming we could find a seat in among all the students from the neighbouring college. Once settled we made use of the Wetherspoon's Steak Club deal for lunch washed down with O'Dwyers Irish Stout, a highly appropriate ale for the occasion! We follow this by exploring Quarry Park up by St Chad's Church - the enchanted garden was particularly impressive with flowerbeds, ornate fountain and a bust of Percy Thrower.

- St Julian's and the Three Fishes -

We needed to get our medieval mission back on track so Town Walls Tower was just the landmark for the job - maintained by the National Trust, the watchtower is a rare surviving fragment of Shrewsbury's medieval defensive walls. The theme continues with the Three Fishes, an example of timbered Tudor architecture in the shadow of two churches (St Julian's and St Alkmond's). Three Tuns Stout hits the spot nicely here, a swift half before the barmaid calls time at 3pm for mid-afternoon closing.

- The "Shrewsbury Smash" Setting -

Waiting around the other side of St Alkmond's is the Loggerheads, a fascinating hostelry with a warren-like collection of small rooms comprising uneven floors and sloping walls; perhaps the most interesting of these is the side snug with its 'Gents Only until 1975' inscription. We have a chat with a couple from Peterborough who are also enjoying Shrewsbury's best pubs, then Stephen has one of his occasional accidents when his empty half glass comes a cropper - the scattered shards on the quarry tiles will henceforth be referred to as the "Shrewsbury Smash".

- English Bridge -

After apologising to the barman we descend Wyle Cop where the Nags Head is reputedly haunted amid its own hints of medieval architecture. English Bridge is always an impressive structure as we enjoy a stroll beside the Severn, passing beneath the railway platforms then climbing steps up to the former town gaol. 

- Cushioned Contemplation in Coton Hill -

Our final bit of exploring takes us up Coton Hill where there is further riverside scenery to be enjoyed. Of the trio of pubs in the area we opt for the Woodman where we encounter further glass-related damage (the 'Coton Hill crack') although none of us were responsible this time. Wooden panels and Latin-themed cushions add to the ambience in the lounge while I rather suspect Mr D9 would like the outhouse toilets. Heading back into town, we just have time to squeeze in the Salopian Bar where we spot a chap dressed as a leprechaun. Ale wise we sample Tiny Rebel's Morning Glory, a brooding chocolatey breakfast stout that concludes matters very neatly indeed.
A simply smashing St Patrick's day in Shropshire!