
Bailey Head Market Square
Oswestry's vibrant heart, featuring an award-winning pub with an unparalleled ale selection and a lively market square.
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Bailey Head Market Square
Best Time
Experience local buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oswestry's vibrant heart, featuring an award-winning pub with an unparalleled ale selection and a lively market square.
"A multi-award-winning pub offering more ale and cider than you can shake a stick at."

🍻 CAMRA Pub Gem
Don't miss the pub, a multiple CAMRA award winner with an amazing ale selection. Check Untappd for tap takeovers!
⏰ Check Opening Times
Some days the pub opens at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Award-Winning Pub
Bailey Head Market Square
A multi-award-winning pub boasting an incredible selection of real and craft ales, including high-strength dark beers sold as halves.

Market Day Buzz
Bailey Head Market Square
Experience the lively atmosphere of market days, with local vendors offering a variety of goods and a true taste of community life.

Historic Town Square
Bailey Head Market Square
The central hub of Oswestry, offering a glimpse into the town's heritage and a perfect spot to people-watch and explore.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Discover Oswestry's Heart
A Pub Lover's Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍻 CAMRA Pub Gem
Don't miss the pub, a multiple CAMRA award winner with an amazing ale selection. Check Untappd for tap takeovers!
⏰ Check Opening Times
Some days the pub opens at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
The pub is welcoming to dogs, making it a great spot to relax after a walk.
🎶 Live Music Nights
Keep an eye out for live music events, adding to the already great atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍻 CAMRA Pub Gem
Don't miss the pub, a multiple CAMRA award winner with an amazing ale selection. Check Untappd for tap takeovers!
⏰ Check Opening Times
Some days the pub opens at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
The pub is welcoming to dogs, making it a great spot to relax after a walk.
🎶 Live Music Nights
Keep an eye out for live music events, adding to the already great atmosphere.
🍽️ Outside Food Welcome
Food isn't served, but you can usually eat food purchased from nearby takeaways inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the award-winning pub at Bailey Head Market Square for its exceptional and diverse selection of real and craft ales, often highlighting its CAMRA accolades. The welcoming atmosphere and competitive prices are also frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note that food is no longer served on-site, and opening times can vary, requiring a quick check before arrival.
"Marvellous pub on the square offering more ale and cider than you can shake a stick at. It’s recently won CAMRA pub of the year so you can’t get a better endorsement than that. It’s the champions league/academy award for pubs isnt it, so well in on the accolade. Its also getting the thumbs up from me and I’ve been to a pub or two in my time. Definitely stop off at this one when in the town and probably worth making the stop off alone for. It’s nice inside and the building is a gudun. Decent prices too..Recommended 🍻"
g t
"CAMRA’s current national pub of the year ~ a real varied mix of cask ales on sale at competitive prices which is always good to find. Look out for the Tap Take Overs which will be advertised on the Untappd beer app."
Mark Nicholson
"CAMRA pub of the year!! Excellent range of beers!! Plenty on dark/Porter tyres at very high strengths...thus only sold as halves!! Really great discussion with local about home Brewing....he sounded almost like a professional. But note opening times....some days at 3pm. So I had time to burn for two hours! Great place."
Vince While
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bailey Head Market Square is centrally located in Oswestry. If arriving by car, there are several car parks nearby. For public transport, Oswestry bus station is a short walk away, with services connecting to surrounding towns and cities.
Yes, there are several public car parks within easy walking distance of the square. Some may have time limits or charges, so check signage.
Absolutely! Bailey Head Market Square is a central point in Oswestry, so it's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the town center.
Oswestry is accessible by train to nearby stations like Gobowen, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. Alternatively, major bus routes connect Oswestry to larger cities like Shrewsbury and Wrexham.
The square itself is generally flat and accessible. The award-winning pub has some steps, so it's worth checking accessibility directly if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bailey Head Market Square is a public space and entry is free. You only pay for any purchases you make at the market or in the local establishments.
As a public square, it's always accessible. However, individual shops and the renowned pub have their own operating hours, with the pub sometimes opening at 3 PM on certain days.
There are no entry fees to enter the pub. You pay for your drinks and any food you might purchase from external vendors.
Market days are typically held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a lively atmosphere and local produce. It's best to check local listings for specific times.
While the pub is popular, booking is generally not required for casual visits. However, for larger groups or during special events, it might be advisable to inquire directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere on market days, explore the unique shops surrounding the square, and most importantly, sample the extensive range of real and craft ales at the award-winning pub.
The pub is famous for its diverse selection of cask ales and craft beers, including dark beers and porters, often at high strengths. They also feature 'Tap Take Overs' advertised on Untappd.
Yes, the historic architecture of the square and the lively market scenes offer great photographic opportunities. The pub's interior can also be quite atmospheric.
Oswestry has a rich history, and while Bailey Head Market Square is the modern hub, the surrounding streets offer glimpses into its past. The town's border location also adds a unique historical context.
The market square is a public space, so dogs are generally welcome on a lead. The award-winning pub is also dog-friendly, making it a great stop for pet owners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the highly-rated pub no longer serves food. However, patrons are usually permitted to bring in food purchased from nearby takeaways, such as the Indian restaurant next door.
Yes, the square is surrounded by various shops, cafes, and eateries, including an Indian takeaway conveniently located next to the pub. You'll find options to suit different tastes.
Given the proximity, you can expect typical takeaway options like Indian cuisine. Exploring the surrounding streets will reveal other cafes and eateries offering diverse choices.
Reviews suggest that prices, particularly at the award-winning pub, are competitive and offer good value for money. Local eateries are also generally reasonably priced.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can purchase food from local vendors and enjoy it in the public square, weather permitting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bustling market scenes on market days, the historic architecture of the surrounding buildings, and the inviting facade of the award-winning pub. The square itself offers good vantage points.
Yes, the pub's interior is often described as atmospheric and welcoming, making it a good subject for photography. Be mindful of other patrons and ask permission if photographing individuals.
Market days offer dynamic shots with people and stalls. For a quieter, more architectural focus, early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
While Bailey Head Market Square is more of a modern hub, exploring the older streets of Oswestry can reveal historical architecture and plaques that tell the town's story.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm equivalent, would be useful for capturing both wider scenes and details. A fast prime lens could be great for low-light shots inside the pub.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Be aware that some of the stronger beers are sold in halves. While the pub doesn't serve food, you can often bring in food from nearby takeaways, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a pint and a bite. Remember to check their opening times, as they can vary, with some days starting later in the afternoon.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
There are also various shops and cafes around the square to explore. If you're looking for a relaxed pace, simply enjoy the atmosphere of the town square. The pub's dog-friendly policy also makes it a great option if you're traveling with a canine companion.
🐶 Dog Owners
Oswestry itself offers plenty of opportunities for walks, and returning to a welcoming pub with your dog is a real treat. Just ensure your dog is well-behaved and kept on a lead within the pub and the market square.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pub: A Beer Aficionado's Dream
Beyond the impressive beer selection, the pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It's a place where you can strike up conversations about brewing and enjoy a genuine pub experience. Keep an eye on the Untappd app for announcements about their 'Tap Take Overs,' which showcase special brews. While food is no longer served on-site, the pub's policy of allowing patrons to consume food purchased from nearby establishments, like the Indian takeaway next door, adds to its community-focused appeal.
Practical Tip: Due to its popularity and sometimes later opening hours (some days from 3 PM), it's wise to check the pub's specific opening times before your visit to ensure you don't miss out on experiencing this renowned establishment.
Oswestry's Border Identity and Market Culture
Market days, typically Wednesdays and Saturdays, transform Bailey Head into a lively hub of activity. Local vendors gather to sell a variety of goods, from fresh produce and artisanal crafts to everyday essentials. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, interact with stallholders, and discover unique items. The buzz of the market provides a vibrant backdrop to the historic architecture surrounding the square, offering a glimpse into the town's enduring traditions.
While the square is a modern center, its historical significance is tied to Oswestry's long past. The town's Welsh heritage is a notable aspect, with discussions about its historical ties to Wales still present. Visiting Bailey Head Market Square offers not just a chance to enjoy a great pub or browse market stalls, but also to connect with the distinct character of this border town.




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