Business Details
Michelin-Recognised Seasonal Fine Dining & Bar in Shrewsbury
The Walrus is a Michelin-recognised fine dining restaurant and bar located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Founded by chefs Ben Hall and Carla Ernst, our philosophy centres on seasonality, locality, and exceptional culinary craftsmanship. We collaborate closely with local suppliers to source peak-season produce, meats, and seafood, ensuring every dish reflects the region's natural bounty. Ben's extensive experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Gidleigh Park and The Elephant, informs our approach to innovative yet refined cuisine. Carla's background in business and hospitality, combined with her culinary training, ensures a seamless blend of creative excellence and operational precision. Our team, led by General Manager Ivalina Ivanova, curates unforgettable dining experiences through meticulous attention to detail, from ingredient selection to service.The restaurant overlooks the River Severn, offering a modern, elegant setting complemented by an intimate upstairs bar serving seasonal cocktails and small plates. We prioritise sustainability in our sourcing practices and maintain a commitment to evolving our menus with the seasons. Our tasting menus, priced from 70 per person, showcase multi-course journeys through local flavours, while the bar menu offers more casual yet equally thoughtful dining options. Whether through our Saturday lunch service, private events, or seasonal newsletters, we strive to create meaningful connections through food and hospitality.
Services
Seasonal Fine Dining
Tasting Menus
Bar Services
Private Events
Catering
Wine Pairings
Local Ingredient Sourcing
Cocktail Bar
Sunday Lunch
Seasonal Menus
Highlights and features
- We hold Michelin recognition for culinary excellence
- Our chefs have trained in multiple Michelin-starred kitchens
- We source ingredients exclusively from local Shropshire suppliers
- We offer seasonal tasting menus with wine pairings
- Our team includes award-winning hospitality professionals
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
Services
Seasonal Fine Dining
Our Michelin-recognised restaurant offers multi-course tasting menus showcasing Shropshire's seasonal produce. Each dish combines technical precision with creative presentation, featuring ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers. The experience includes optional wine or non-alcoholic pairing flights.
Bar Services
The upstairs bar provides an intimate setting with craft cocktails, curated wines, and seasonal small plates. Open daily with extended Friday and Saturday hours, it offers a relaxed alternative to our formal dining experience while maintaining culinary excellence.
Private Events
We offer exclusive hire of our restaurant and bar spaces for private events. Our team can accommodate special occasions with custom menus and dedicated service, combining our riverside location with professional hospitality expertise.
Local Ingredient Sourcing
We maintain direct relationships with Shropshire farmers and producers to ensure peak-season ingredients. This commitment to locality supports regional agriculture while guaranteeing exceptional quality and traceability for all menu components.
Wine Pairings
Our sommelier-curated wine flights complement tasting menus with both classic and innovative pairings. Non-alcoholic options include mocktails and specially selected juices that match dishes with equal consideration for balance and complexity.
People
Ben Hall
Chef / Owner
Ben trained at Birmingham College before working in Michelin-starred kitchens including The Elephant and Gidleigh Park. His culinary philosophy combines technical excellence with seasonal storytelling, earning The Walrus Michelin recognition since opening.
Carla Ernst
Chef / Owner
Carla combines business expertise with culinary training from Ashburton Cookery School. Her experience at Gidleigh Park and Ilsington Country House Hotel informs her approach to creating balanced, ingredient-focused dishes and managing restaurant operations.
Ivalina Ivanova
General Manager
With over a decade in hospitality, Iva oversees service standards and guest experiences. Her background includes senior roles in Shropshire's hospitality sector, and she curates wine pairings while managing front-of-house operations.
Questions
Is The Walrus open for lunch services?
We serve lunch on Saturdays from 12:15–14:15 and offer bar food daily from 12:00–21:30.
Do you require reservations for dining?
Reservations are recommended for restaurant dining but not required for our upstairs bar.
Are there seasonal menu changes?
Our menus change with the seasons to ensure the freshest local ingredients are used.
Does The Walrus accommodate dietary requirements?
We offer vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus and can accommodate specific dietary needs with advance notice.
Is The Walrus accessible for wheelchair users?
Our bar is upstairs with no lift access. Please contact us in advance for accessibility assistance.
When is The Walrus closed for summer break?
We will be closed from Sunday 7th September to Tuesday 23rd September 2025.
