The building was constructed during the Elizabethan era under the direction of the bailiff of Shrewsbury, Richard Owen.
It is a Grade I listed building, a designation reserved for structures of exceptional interest.
The ground floor originally featured an open-sided layout to accommodate market traders, later enclosed in the 19th century.
The upper floor once served as the meeting place for the Shrewsbury Corporation, the local governing body.
The building was renovated in the early 2000s specifically to integrate the modern digital cinema facility into the historic structure.
The Old Market Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor-style building located in the heart of Shrewsbury that currently operates as an independent boutique cinema and cafe-bar. Originally constructed in 1596, the building historically served as a mercantile exchange for the local wool and flannel trade. The venue features a single-screen cinema auditorium that programs a mix of contemporary independent films, foreign language features, and classic screenings. Visitors can access a first-floor cafe-bar that overlooks the town square, offering light refreshments and drinks. The site is managed by the Shropshire Council and serves as a cultural hub for the town's creative community. The architectural design retains its original stone arched exterior, while the interior has been repurposed for modern social and cinematic use.
The view of the ornate stone facade from the ground level of The Square.
Book tickets in advance online, as the single-screen auditorium has limited capacity.
Arrive early to secure a window-side table in the cafe-bar for views over The Square.
Check the 'Live Events' listings, as the venue occasionally hosts satellite broadcasts of theatre and opera.
Do not assume you can walk in for a film; popular screenings frequently sell out in advance.
Closed for film screenings on certain bank holidays; check seasonal holiday programming.
