This year marks a proud and heart-warming milestone for one of Oswestry’s favourite independent businesses – Stef’s Deli. The popular local shop, owned and run by Stefan Varlinkov, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of flavour, hard work, and community spirit.
When Stefan first opened the doors to Stef’s Deli in April 2015, he had a simple dream: to bring a taste of his Eastern European heritage to Oswestry. What began as a modest store offering only Polish products soon grew into something much bigger – a meeting place for cultures, flavours, and friendships.
As word spread and customers kept coming back, the business expanded to accommodate its growing range. Today, Stef’s Deli proudly stocks an impressive selection of Bulgarian, Polish, Romanian, and Slovakian products, offering something special for everyone. From rich and creamy cheeses and aromatic spices to fine cured meats, traditional preserves, and irresistible sweets, every shelf tells a story of home, tradition, and quality.
One of the deli’s most beloved offerings is its traditional Bulgarian pastry ‘Banitsa’ – a flaky, cheese-filled delight that has quickly become a local favourite. Recently, the shop has also introduced 12 delicious flavours of cakes, each one crafted to tempt customers with its fresh taste and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Eastern European treat or something new to satisfy your sweet tooth, Stef’s Deli has something for everyone.
To complement its food selection, Stef’s Deli also offers a fine range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, vodka, and rakia – the traditional fruit brandy cherished across the Balkans. For wine lovers, there’s a superb choice of Bulgarian wines, renowned for their excellent quality and rich, distinctive taste. These wines have gained international recognition, and Stef’s Deli is proud to share them with both long-time enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
But it’s not just about food and drink. Over the years, Stef’s Deli has also grown into a community hub, providing a range of convenient everyday services that make life easier for local residents. Customers can take advantage of MoneyGram international money transfers, gas and electricity top-ups and mobile phone vouchers – turning a quick shopping trip into a one-stop visit for both essentials and indulgences.
A big part of what makes Stef’s Deli so special is its friendly, multilingual staff, who are always ready to lend a hand or offer a recommendation with a smile. Whether it’s helping someone find a favourite product from back home or introducing a curious local to something new, their warm and welcoming approach has made the shop a true part of Oswestry’s community fabric.
Reflecting on the past decade, Stefan Varlinkov expresses pride and gratitude for how far Stef’s Deli has come. From a small, family-run business to a thriving, well-loved destination, the deli has stayed true to its roots – offering authentic products, personal service, and a genuine connection with the people it serves.
As Stef’s Deli looks ahead to the future, one thing remains certain: it will continue to be a place where cultures meet, flavours flourish, and everyone feels at home.
Here’s to the next ten years of Stef’s Deli – Oswestry’s own corner of Eastern Europe, where every visit is a warm welcome and every bite tells a story.
Visit Stef’s Deli, 24 Beatrice St, Oswestry SY11 1QG
