Creative Boom Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury's creative scene is close-knit enough to know by first name – and this is where it gathers. Local host Tony Clarkson shares where to meet us, the places he rates, and the people doing brilliant work on your doorstep.
Scenes from Shrewsbury
Photography by Paul Elton
Meet Tony
Tony Clarkson hosts Creative Boom IRL in Shrewsbury, and he's the creative behind &Something Studio.
The '&Something' rather sums up his hosting, too: come for a drink, leave with a collaborator and something new in the diary.
Every place in the guide below is his – tried, rated and vouched for.
Events in Shrewsbury
Interesting places to visit
As recommended by your host Tony Clarkson. Where to eat, drink, co-work, and be inspired by art in Shrewsbury.
8 places
CO-WORKINGCourtyard Collective
Butcher Row, Shrewsbury
A co-working collective for freelancers, solopreneurs and remote employees in a bright and creative space in a historic courtyard.
FOOD & DRINKDough & Oil
Castle Street, Shrewsbury
What began in Shrewsbury's Market Hall, now has its own spot – bringing the town its first city-style, urban restaurant. Cracking pizzas, too.
FOOD & DRINKGlouGlou
Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
The current spot for our IRL event, but also an excellent wine bar. The staff are friendly and informative. They definitely know their stuff.
CAFÉPatch's Coffee Kiosk
Shrewsbury Market Hall
When you need a really good coffee as you're wandering around town, Patch's Coffee is the best. Always some interesting roasts to try.
CAFÉShrewsbury Coffeehouse
Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
Great coffee and nice atmosphere. I could spend all day in this cosy place. It doubles as a small music venue, too, hosting quirky musicians.
SHOPShrewsbury Market Hall
Claremont St, Shrewsbury
The building's a bit marmite, but inside is a great mix of traders selling everything from clothing and furniture to food and drink. Nice veg, too.
GALLERYSoden Gallery
Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury
Soden was founded in 2017 by Jonathan Soden, and his gallery always has an inspiring exhibition. Featuring emerging and established artists.
SHOPThe Parade Shops
St. Marys Place, Shrewsbury
A hidden gem of independent shops and places to eat and drink inside a stunning building. There's even a 10 seater cinema called Studio 67.
Have we missed something we should know about? Tell us and we'll take a look.
Creatives in Shrewsbury
A growing guide to the freelancers, studios and agencies shaping Shrewsbury's creative scene. Go say hi!
8 studios
IllustrationCarol Davies
Shrewsbury
Carol is an illustrator and animator who's worked with the BBC, Warner Bros., and Channel 4. She also creates children's books and greeting cards.
IllustrationCharlotte Tisdale
Shrewsbury
A freelance illustrator and mural artist who creates joyful, sensitive artworks with gorgeous colour palettes and funky characters.
DesignHamish McKeown
Shrewsbury
Hamish is primarily a graphic designer, but he also works in illustration and photography. A graduate of Sheffield Hallam, he now lives back home.
BrandingHillside Studio
Shrewsbury
Hillside is a brand studio for businesses building with purpose. Founded by Sophie Booth who has over a decade of experience in design.
DesignLJ Design Co
Shrewsbury
Lauren Jones is a brand and graphic designer that helps independent businesses create thoughtful, well-designed brand identities and visual systems.
IllustrationMatt Sewell
Butcher Row, Shrewsbury
A British artist and illustrator known for his distinctive, characterful style that blends playful simplicity with a deep appreciation for the natural
IllustrationSaffron Russell
Shrewsbury
A Shrewsbury-based illustrator whose work features bold colours, lively characters and playful scenes.
BrandingSource
Nettles Lane, Shrewsbury
Source has been building inspiring brands and marketing campaigns for over 35 years. A well-respected and established local agency.
Run a Shrewsbury business we should know about? Tell us and we'll take a look.
Shrewsbury Jobs
Handpicked creative roles at Shrewsbury studios, agencies and brands that value good design. Salary on every listing.
3D Artist & Motion Designer at Kensa
Full-time·Hybrid·Telford, UK
£27k-£33kApplyGraphic Designer at Ditto Daily
Full-time·On-site·Shrewsbury, UK
£30k-£40kApplyHead of Development at Reech
Full-time·On-site·Shrewsbury, UK
DOEApply
Hiring in Shrewsbury? Roles with a salary listed only – that's the house rule.
