We visited Shrewsbury's hip 'hidden gem' neighbourhood full of independent businesses and learned what makes it special

It’s a small district, known for its quieter and slower pace of life in comparison - but rest assured, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the area, from thriving independents to picturesque views.

Speaking to locals who were sitting outside enjoying a brew and a bite in the spring sun, we were urged to visit barber Jordan Wells of The Fade Inn in Longden Coleham to find out what is so special about the area.

We were welcomed by friendly faces into the barbershop, which boasts its own pool table - and it’s something the locals evidently love.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Jordan, who was shaping a gentleman’s hair, said the business was founded eight years ago and has developed a strong client base.

Coleham, he said, is a “nice community” with “everything you need” and “all sorts going on”.

Jordan said: “It's just a nice community really; lots of independent shops, lots of hustle and bustle.

“Before I started working [here], I didn't realise how busy it was here.

“The amount of people that are around here - a lot of people walking over the bridge from the town, coming over here.”

The footbridge that connects Coleham to Shrewsbury town centre via St Julian's Friars has been the talk of the town lately.

Last month, controversial plans to block off Greyfriars Bridge to the public from June 2 to August 5 for refurbishment were announced.

The closure, which has since been postponed, would have meant that there would be no access over the bridge for the much-loved Belle Vue Arts Festival, which runs from June 7 to 22.

It was on said bridge that we bumped into Lucette Richards, who said she was relieved to hear the work would not be going ahead throughout the busiest part of summer.

It’s important to keep that access, she suggested.

“I think people are quite surprised when they come over the bridge from the park, very often by mistake, because they don't quite know where they're going.

“I think they might be going into town, and then they discover this - and it's wonderful.”

One thing Lucette, who is originally from France but has resided in Shrewsbury for the last 15 years, said she likes the most about Coleham are the people - and how they always have time for strangers and friends alike.

“People are always very friendly,” she said.

“They're not afraid of losing a few minutes talking to you. When you go to the supermarket, at the till it's ‘go, go, go’!

“But here? You can always talk to people, which is really nice.”

The independent businesses, the heart and soul of any community and town, are what really set the neighbourhood apart.

“We love all of the independent shops,” Lucette said.

“The Allotment [by Greyfriars Bridge] is wonderful for vegetables and other bits and pieces that you don't pick up in town.

“Of course, we've got a new butchers now as well, which seems to be doing very well, too.

“And the Spar is wonderful because if you need something at 8pm or 9pm, it's open and that's really nice.”

In the same spot we caught up with Tom Aubrey, who said he had popped into the area from Coton Hill, where he lives, to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Coleham.

It’s different from the rest of Shrewsbury - and one of its coffee shops, House Coffee Co, is most definitely a highlight, he said.

The business, which was founded by married couple Sam Jewell and Steven Clarke in 2017, has transformed the street, bringing a pulse to the quainter area.

Sam told the Shropshire Star that the picturesque area was the perfect place to set up a business.

“It gave us a chance to build something local, personal and rooted in a neighbourhood that supports local people and local businesses,” he said.

“Everyone's just so lovely and supportive, and there's real warmth and friendliness to everyone.

“The uniqueness of the area, even though it's so close to town, it feels like we're a million miles away, so it's really nice.

“I feel like we're a hidden gem down here.

“I feel like there's so many small businesses that support each other, support the local community, that you would come down here and feel like you're, like I said before, miles away from elsewhere.

“There’s just lots of friendly people, a community feel. It's really great.”