7 Shropshire pubs where you can escape from the World Cup as nation prepares for England's second match

Supermarkets, cafés, pubs, shops - wherever you go, it seems you just cannot avoid the World Cup at the moment.

But are you not a lover of the beautiful game? Struggling to understand the fascination and feeling very 'un-gripped' by football fever right now?

As the nation prepares for England's second match against Ghana on Tuesday night, fuelled by the knowledge that this time….. finally, football is coming home, you might be wondering where you can get away from it all.

Fortunately, we are on hand with a helpful guide to some of those Shropshire venues not showing the matches from the US, Canada and Mexico.

Henry Tudor Inn, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury

A pub has been established on this spot since 1429 and Henry Tudor Inn leans into its historical connections with 'History on Tap' events including one on July 14, the same night as the first World Cup semi final. Origins of the offside rule unlikely to feature.

The Alb, 14 Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury

Also known as The Albert Hotel, this is a boutique pub with hotel rooms conveniently located next to the Shrewsbury's bus and railway stations. It offers bottomless brunches, cocktail making classes and a new VIP karaoke room (if that's your thing).

The Bailey Head, Bailey Head, Oswestry

The Bailey Head overlooks Oswestry's historic Guildhall and town square from which it takes its name and was CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2025, recognised for its range of ales and ciders. However, eat before you go out as it does not serve food (aside from snacks) but customers are welcome to take in their own. It also hosts regular charity quiz nights but there is no guarantee there won't be any football questions though.

The Bell, 61 Church Street, Oswestry

The Bell has a changing selection of IPAs, ales, sours and stouts, including from Salopian Brewery in Shrewsbury and other brands from across the country. It also hosts regular live music and has a smoker so can host barbecue nights in its spacious beer garden to go along with the live entertainment.

The Old Town Hall Vaults, St Mary's St, Whitchurch

The Old Town Hall Vaults was built in the 1830s as a merchant's house and takes its name from vaulted cellars. It's a Joule's pub serving its beers brewed in Market Drayton, including a rotating menu of seasonal drinks, alongside food including cheese and onion pie and a range of homemade sausage rolls.

The Pheasant Inn, 54 Market St, Wellington

The Pheasant Inn is the tap house for Rowton Brewery based near Telford but offers a broad range of ales from a variety of breweries nationwide. It also hosts regular nights for fans of cheese - the food, not the pop music genre.

The Stag & Scotch, 71 High Street, Newport

Opened in late 2024, The Stag & Scotch is an intimate micropub which keeps it properly local by featuring cask ales from brewery brands such as Stonehouse in Oswestry, Hobsons in Cleobury Mortimer and Three Tuns in Bishop's Castle alongside a calendar of live music.