The Morris family’s connection with Pride Hill in Shrewsbury stretches back more than a century. From a modest grocery shop in the early 20th century to key lettings to national retailers today, this presence on Pride Hill helped shape the character of the town centre and made memories for local people for generations.
A Foot on Pride Hill
Around 1902, the Morris brothers opened a fruit and grocery shop at 26 Pride Hill. While this was one of six grocery stores operated by the brothers, this location was significant. Pride Hill was — and remains — one of Shrewsbury’s premier shopping destinations, and securing a shopfront here marked an important step for the family.
Morris’s Café: A Social Destination
By 1913, the brothers had expanded their presence on Pride Hill with the opening of Morris’s Café at 25 Pride Hill. More than just a place to eat, the café reflected the social customs of the time. It featured a ladies’ tea-room, a gentlemen’s smoke room, and a confectionery shop, creating a refined and popular space to gather.
A Grand Vision Inspired by Harrods
The Morris brothers’ ambitions for Pride Hill reached new heights in the 1920s. After purchasing the freeholds of 26a, 26 and 24 Pride Hill, they set out to create a flagship store that would rival the great department stores of the era. Inspired by the architecture of Blickling Hall in Norfolk and the service of Harrods in Knightsbridge, they developed a grand new Morris Store at the top of Pride Hill, which officially opened in 1927.
Pride Hill Chambers: A Strategic Investment
The Morris interest in Pride Hill extended beyond retail. In 1955, they purchased Pride Hill Chambers as an investment property. The building quickly became one of the company’s most valuable property assets, demonstrating the long-term value the family placed on town centre real estate.
A Notable Tenant: McDonald’s at 11 Pride Hill
In 1983, Morris’s let 11 Pride Hill to McDonald’s. Housed within a 13th-century building, the fast-food restaurant was renowned locally for its medieval stone walls and stained-glass windows — a striking contrast to the modern global brand it housed. After 34 years of trading, the restaurant ended its lease in 2017, marking the end of a unique chapter in Pride Hill’s history.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, this medieval street is home to a range of independent retailers and national brands, including Hobbs, Accessorize, TG Jones, and The Works – forming part of the Morris portfolio of over 200 properties.
Shrewsbury continues to thrive as a shopping destination, with annual footfall up 11% year on year across the town centre with shoppers spending more than £10 million a month*. Source: Shrewsbury BID.
