Did someone say local knowledge
The well trodden Ale Route around Shrewsbury inside the Loop (Shrewsburys nearly an island , the Loop refers to the part of town inside the loop of the River Severn) goes like this
Salopian Bar , modernish Ale Bar
Shrewsbury Hotel(JDW) , most publike of the 2 spoons in town
Armoury, gastro pub but a good selection of ales
Montgomerys Tower (JDW) , less publike but better beer
Wheatsheaf , Marstons usually 6/7 beers on
Three Fishs , very good pub , 6/7 mostly local beers
Loggerheads , Marstons , worth a visit for the interior
Yorkshire House , its a bit bonkers
Nags Head , can be hit and miss ale wise , but has a 500 year old smoking shelter
Coach and Horses , lovelly victorian corner pub , usually 4/5 local beers
Admiral Benbow , decent pub 6/7 local beers
Its worth a walk up Coton Hill to the Woodman and the Royal Oak , its only a 5/10 minute walk , the Dolphin is also worth a walk but is a bit further .
Plenty of other pubs around in town , and a short walk away .
The Abbey must have changed a hell of a lot , its was just a bog standard Ember Inns pub on the few times i have been there .