Food, Days Out and Travel stories from Brighton, London and the Rest of the World

Tuesday

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury

If you're wondering where to stay in Shrewsbury, then it's time to check out a brand new boutique hotel in the centre of town.

When it comes to city breaks, it's always good to stay in the heart of it. Somewhere in keeping with the general style of the place. Somewhere welcoming and comfortable that you'll want to return to after a day's exploration. Finally, I'd add, somewhere that serves freshly prepared breakfasts, such as Eggs Benedict, when you wake up the next morning.

Darwin's Townhouse Hotel


Situated just over the English Bridge is a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Opened in March 2016, the hotel offers 20 bedrooms with two reception rooms, one with an honesty bar and the other with the most incredible ceiling, plus a cosy breakfast room filled with natural light. Built around 1760, some of the original features have been retained. For instance, in the lounge look up to admire a fabulous plaster-work ceiling by Joseph Bromfield, the famous Architect and Plasterer. Decorated with the signs of the Zodiac in an unusually shaped room, it looked a very inviting place to sit back and relax in. Meanwhile next door, in the snug there was more original plaster panelling to admire, this time around a set of mirrors that now hang above the honesty bar, giving the room a certain air of elegance.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


As my head twisted around 360 degrees to take it all in, we were led up a gently spiralling staircase to our room on the top floor.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Decorated throughout in tribute to Shrewsbury's most famous resident, Charles Darwin, we found maps on the walls, animal ornaments and books on travel to peruse.

Although he never actually lived in this townhouse it would have been part of the town where he grew up.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Inside our room, the colours were muted blues and beige with a shot of crushed pink and the enormous bed had a rattan covered headboard. Around the room were antique suitcases and the lampshades had imitation tortoise shells. The bathroom was bright, light and replete with mini Molton Brown toiletries, with an Indian Cress Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner that left my hair looking in great condition.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Apart from all this, what made our room feel so unique was its octagonal shape.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Breakfast we were told would be served between 8 - 10 am and instead of a buffet of hot food, Darwin's Townhouse would provide a selection of breakfasts to order that included Eggs Benedict. My eyes lit up at the prospect, normally found on restaurant brunch menus rather than at hotels and it made me look forward to breakfast.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


It was time to drop off our bags and venture into town for an exploratory walk around Shrewsbury.

We'd been told about a temporary photographic exhibition called Evolution Explored that we wanted to visit. Inspired by the links of Shrewsbury to Charles Darwin, a newly launched Magnum Photos Exhibition - 'Evolution Explored' of world-class international photography promised a collection that celebrates the diversity and difference of communities around the world.

Running until 23rd April 2017, we had been told to look for the free public exhibition by visiting two sites, the Square and St Mary's Church in the centre of town, so that's where we headed first.

Come back to find out what we discovered on our day out in Shrewsbury.

Days Away - Stay in Shrewsbury, Darwin's Townhouse, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

With thanks to Original Shrewsbury for our night's stay and breakfast at Darwin's Townhouse. It was an absolute delight to stay in such a lovingly restored Georgian townhouse.

Darwin's Townhouse, 37 St Julian's Friars, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XL Tel: 01743 343829

Typical room rates for a double for Saturday night with en-suite and breakfast range from £95 - £175 as at March 2017. Click here to book a room.

They also have some £50 mid week offers, plus some dinner with stay from £89 - £129. Click here to find out about their latest offers.

Enjoy your stay,

Sarah xx


photo 
Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
    

To find out about the best places to eat in Brighton and London plus beautiful places to visit, click here to Follow my blog with Bloglovin
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig