Heathgates

Head down Whitchurch Road and you'll find yourself in the kind of pub that doesn't need to try too hard. Heathgates has that unpretentious charm locals actually want — the sort of place where the bar staff know what you're having before you order, and the crowd's a proper mix of after-work drinkers and long-time regulars. It's traditional without being fussy, with honest pub food and a solid drinks selection that won't break the bank. This is where Shrewsbury comes to be itself, away from the town centre bustle.