Tucked away in a heritage-rich building that formerly housed the Royal Salop Infirmary is one of Shrewsbury’s most charming secrets, The Parade Shops. This unique spot is known for its stunning vantage point of the town, exceptional for its congregation of independent establishments. Recently, it has garnered even more attention with the grand opening of a Mexican-inspired eatery called Bobby’s.
This fledgling restaurant has unfolded a new chapter for The Parade Shops, which was somewhat elusive unless you had a precise reason to visit. But with the vibrancy and charm brought by Bobby’s, an exciting change is imminent. The place is a result of the creative minds behind the successful Dough & Oil, who are known for their impressive ventures in gastronomy.
The naming of Bobby’s is a thoughtful homage to Bob Freeman, the late grandfather of the present owner of The Parade Shops. Nestled downstairs, this urban Mexican-inspired joint stands out with an exceptional terrace offering an unrivaled view of the river. The restaurant aims to evolve the dining scene with tantalizing, taco-based gastronomy.
Bobby’s is a collaborative venture by Aaron Brown, the former proprietor of The Bird’s Nest at the Market Hall, and experienced creative director, Vivek Bhatia. With its refreshing urban style, laid-back ambiance, and captivating soundtrack, Bobby’s follows the successful mold of its sister venues, Dough & Oil. The interior is a carefully curated venue with eye-catching art installations by tattooist Kahm and Cherie Jerrard from the DRAWN Collective. Splashes of graffiti and witty details add an extra layer of allure to the place.
The culinary journey at Bobby’s begins with a captivating menu whose items change regularly following the diner’s relaxed philosophy. Starting with a selection of four tacos served three per plate, complemented by a trio of side choices and a single dessert option. All but the dessert are gluten-free, marking its spot as an inclusive establishment. Completing the dining experience are ten craft beers and ciders on tap, along with a range of diverse cocktails and wines.
Under the watchful eye of Head Chef Jack Chamberlain, a variety of delectable tacos are prepared and served by an amicable and knowledgeable team. They showcase their culinary prowess with lip-smacking creations like the intricate ‘La Cabra’ – a delicious ensemble of aromatic slow-cooked goat, pickled cabbage, pineapple, lime salsa, and a hint of coriander for a lively punch. Their vegan offering dubbed ‘El Hongo’ is a tasty blend of chilli-pulled mushrooms, tequila pickled carrot, vegan yoghurt and a surprising cucumber sauce.
Taking the allure of seafood to a new level is the ‘El Pescado’ – seared sea bass artfully paired with jalapeno relish, tartare sauce, a refreshing herb salad, and tequila pickled fennel. It is an explosion of flavors that’s light yet satisfying. The ‘El Pastor’ features a fulfilling experience of spit-roasted pork, pineapple salsa, and hibiscus pickled red onion, topping it off with coriander which adds depth to the taco’s flavor profile. Accompanying the tacos is ‘Las Papas’, Bobby’s unexpected rendition of mashed potatoes.
Bobby’s breathes life into the Mexican culinary scene of Shrewsbury, serving not just tacos, but an experience that leaves diners craving more. Being open on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm assures people of a place to satiate their hunger for unique flavours. They have a walk-in-only policy, ensuring a steady flow of customers enjoying their Mexican delights. For those who can’t visit, they regularly share updates and delicious insights on their Instagram page. Bobby’s is definitely one place that needs to be your next dining destination in Shrewsbury.
