Things to do in/near Shrewsbury sans DC? Restaurants especially?

[FloraFinching]

A friend gave me some hotel vouchers for my birthday. The only place within a 4 hour drive that didn't require us to top up the voucher was in the centre of Shrewsbury, so Shrewsbury it is.

I've booked it, and wondered if there's anything in particular we should do or see in the area. Also where's good to eat?

Ironbridge gorge really interesting,

you can get on a boat trip from Victoria quay.

go on the aqueducts of Pontcysyllte and Chirk.
www.chirk.com/aqueduct.html

oh, i like the idea of the aqueducts, and think DH will be really interested in ironbridge gorge, thanks.

Ludlow. Not far and is v foodie.

Ironbridge is lovely, and v interesting but there are some great restaurants in Ludlow (La Becasse and Mr Underhills are top I think). Have a lovely time.

La Becasse looks really good - i might start saving for it now!

Ludlow Castle is brilliant.

there are some nice places to eat in Shrewsbury, the Lion has regular comedy nights and the theatre has some good things on. there is a great Thai restaurant on claremont.

ooh, not been to a comedy night for years - we might have a look and see what's on.

thanks for all the suggestions, BTW
i shall sit with a glass of wine and google them all once i've washed up

The Clive on the A49 between Craven Arms and Ludlow is good food and cheaper than La Becasse. The Feathers at Brockton does very good meals and Restaurant 7 in Ironbridge has a very good ex London chef and a super atmosphere.

no shame required, DZH, dining out my thing too .

oh god, dh and I had a great meal at seven. and I agree that the feather has always been v good. the Boat is in town and is lovely if the weather is nice, Frank Bar is also meant to be very good.

Flora, do be aware that you need to book months in advance for LaBecasse...

Zombie had a lovely chat with the owner one day. Someone had rung the restaurant and left a message booking a table for the following night. For some reason, they left Zombie's phone number. The owner rang the number and got Zombie. Once we'd worked out that he had rung the number that had been left but that Zombie hadn't been the one to ring we chatted for about 5 minutes. Just before we hung up, Zombie said "If it had me who left that message, what were my chances of getting a table?" The owner laughed and said "None. We're fully booked for the next 4 months."

Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, which is behind the Old Market Hall in the centre of town has a good atmosphere and food if you like fish. The Corn House at the bottom of the Wyle Cop is also nice (though think it might have changed hands since I was last there).
I'd second that the boat that leaves from near the Welsh bridge is good, especially if it's sunny. Ironbridge and Wroxeter are good for days out. Shrewsbury is very pretty and just wandering round the town and down to the Quarry (the park) which is in the loop of the river and has the dingle (a flower garden planted by Percy Thrower) is nice if the weather is good.

4 months?
good job we're not going 'til October then

Ludlow is at least 45 min drive on a good day, so plan carefully if you're going that way. If you're thinking about a taxi, be aware that they can charge more than double after midnight.

The Golden Cross, just behind the Square is lurvely. I've never had a bad night out there. Also, the Armoury, near the Quarry is a good safe bet for lunchtime food. And the Lion & Pheasant is very nice, and recently renovated.

The Coach and Horses and Admiral Benbow are great, hearty, good atmosphere old man pubs, off the beaten track and away from all the chains at the bottom end of town. Love them.

The Castle/Regimental Museum is very pretty. If you're into walking, there's a nice path the length of the river loop, right from the Quarry all the way to the weir. And if it's raining when you get there, you can come to my house for a cuppa

Ooh, yes, Frank Bar! Had a very enjoyable Mojito in there on Friday night.

In St Chad's churchyard, you can find Scrooge's grave from when the BBC filmed here many moons ago.

The peach tree which is near Abbey foregate does really nice food, been a couple of times for dinner and was tasty. The duncow is good, a pub which has lots of various meats. The Inn at Grinshill is also very nice although about 15 mins or so drive from Shrewsbury.

Things to do....there is the Abbey which I think does a brother cadfael thing? There are lots of little shops if you get off the main high street, there is also an amazing farm shop at battlefield with the best steaks I have ever had.