Whilst it may be small in size, Oswestry boasts a fantastic array of independent cafes. From menus inspired by dishes across the world to local favourites made to perfection, Oswestry’s cafes each offer something different and are assets to the town.

I wanted to showcase some of Oswestry’s diverse and exciting dining options for those who had not visited them before, as well as explore what makes each of these cafes a warm and friendly hub for the town. This week, I spoke to some of our cafe owners about what makes their businesses unique and why they are the perfect places for people to bring their friends and loved ones over the festive period.

So, whether you are local or just visiting for the day, here is your guide to finding a cosy spot to enjoy a coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch this Christmas.

Shrooma

First on my list was Oswestry’s one and only mushroom cafe: Shrooma. Shrooma is coming up to its first birthday (the 3rd of January) and is run by husband and wife, Paul and Alex. The pair have created a mushroom farm above the cafe, where mushrooms are harvested and turned into ‘tinctures,’ which are added to drinks in the cafe, and people can buy to add to their own coffees at home.

I spoke to Alex about their lion’s mane tincture, a mushroom that has been the focus of research in this country and further afield because of its cognitive benefits. Studies suggest that lion’s mane can support brain health and function, help maintain sharper focus and improve memory.1 Alex explained that the mushroom could also have benefits for those with anxiety or depression, ADHD or going through the menopause. Alex and Paul’s tinctures are completely organic, grown in the UK, and are the strongest on the market.

For first-time visitors to the cafe, Alex recommends trying their ‘Roarsome Chocolate’ (with lion’s mane already added in) or adding Rheishi (a mushroom with calming effects) to their regular order. The cafe is also licensed and is due to hold a Carols, Coffee, and Cocktails event on Thursday, 18th December from 7 pm. So, whether you fancy a mulled wine or a lion’s mane latte, it is worth a visit to Shrooma!

The Beechtree

Next up was a trip up Bailey Street to The Beechtree coffee shop and bistro. The Beechtree was set up a year ago by owners Amber and Jo and has hosted a series of exciting, themed nights, including Greek and Mexican evenings (inspired by the pair’s travels).

I talked to Jo, who explained that first-time visitors to The Beechtree could expect quality, nutritious food in a warm, welcoming environment. What makes the cafe special is its sense of community: excellent food, coffee and service draw in regular customers who come in to enjoy the great quality together.

Over Christmas, the cafe will be offering a winter set menu, which is a little different from a turkey dinner and Christmas pudding. Jo advised that customers could expect ‘all the Christmas alternatives you like but do not usually get.’ Some of the options from this set menu included a starter of Winter Vegetable Fritters with Spiced Chutney (vegan), a Beef Bourguignon and Truffle Mash main, with a Crème Brûlée and shortbread to finish.

Other crowd favourites include ‘Jo’s Eggs Benny,’ The Beechtree’s Chicken Burger, as well as a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The Beechtree ticks all the boxes for family and friends looking for a place to eat out over Christmas and, as Jo says, ‘you can even have a cheeky beer along with your coffee!’

Milanos

It is all about family in Milanos in Old Chapel Court. Owner Jon has been working at Milano’s for twenty-four years and bought the cafe with his wife nine years ago. He now works with his wife, daughter, two sons and a host of loyal staff. Jon’s ethos is to provide excellent quality products at a good price and make his customers feel welcome and part of the family.

Jon’s food and farming interests mean that he really cares where his ingredients come from. He is a firm believer in no preservatives, artificial flavours and additives and has carefully developed a menu made from natural ingredients. Ninety per cent of Milano’s food is made in-house or else is sourced locally.  The cafe makes all its own cakes except its gluten-free options, which are bought in from local business Sidoli’s. It is important to Jon that he takes the time to teach his staff the trade of making great food from scratch, so he can guarantee that all the food his customers receive is crafted with care.

Over Christmas, Milano’s customers can enjoy a Gingerbread Latte, Mint Hot Chocolate and even a complimentary mince pie alongside their coffee (a tradition which has lasted eight years!). Overall, Milano’s creates a warm atmosphere and, most importantly, a feeling of belonging for its customers: loyal and new.

Square One

In Oswestry’s Red Square, you will find Square One. The cafe opened after the lifting of lockdown in 2020, transforming the heart of Oswestry with its large outdoor seating area and providing a much-needed place for people to see their friends and family, whilst COVID restrictions still prevented indoor meetups. Five years later, and Square One still brings a huge amount of atmosphere to Oswestry’s centre: it is a great place to enjoy an iced latte whilst soaking up summer rays or grab a festive hot chocolate in the winter months (including Mint Aero and Dubai Chocolate flavours!). The cafe also opened its indoor seating area in 2022 for those looking to sit in with their drinks.

I spoke to Square One’s bubbly and friendly staff about their food recommendations, which included their loaded fries (especially the Catsu Chicken Fries), as well as their crepes (which you can customise with your favourite toppings and sauces).

During the festive season, customers can enjoy a Festive Yorkie Wrap, Pigs in Blanket Fries, a Pigs in Blanket Burger and many other winter specials.

For first-time visitors, Square One’s team recommended people to ‘Just pop in! It’s cosy, always open and we have really nice staff here!’

The Old Coffee Pot

Just down the road, opposite the park gates, is The Old Coffee Pot: a wonderful portal into the 1940s. Owners Amy and Artur opened their five-star cafe a year ago, serving hearty and homely foods in a cosy setting. Chef Artur prepares all the cafe’s food from scratch and tailors meals to meet the needs of individual customers, helping them feel truly at home. Expect to find old favourites such as Sausage and Mash, Liver and Bacon, Faggots and Mash, Roasted Pork Belly, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options (all of which are prepared with time and care in the cafe with ingredients which are sourced locally).

Amy and Artur also offer Christmas Day takeaways, which can be collected from the cafe on Christmas Eve. Their takeaway menu includes Roast Turkey, Beef, Lamb or Chicken, a Smoked Salmon Tart with Leeks and Dill, and a Christmas Vegetable Gratin (all of which are served with festive veggies, a Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes and homemade gravy). The menu also includes a delicious selection of starters and desserts.

As well as festive takeaways, The Old Coffee Pot provides Sunday dinner takeaways and afternoon teas. If you fancy a warm, hearty meal and a fun 40s atmosphere, The Old Coffee Pot is for you!

Niche

It has been a fantastic year for Oswestry’s boutique patisserie run by mother and son Samantha and Adam (semi-finalist of Bake-Off: The Professionals 2019). Niche has just won the National Bakery Awards at county and regional levels. They also received the Outstanding Customer Service award at the Shropshire Chamber Awards 2025, as well as four Great Taste Awards for their focaccia, seeded loaf, fudge and jam. It is fair to say that Niche’s awards wall is running out of space!

Adam and Samantha are utterly devoted to their business, starting and finishing their baking in the dark each day. As well as supplying items for many local coffee shops in the area, they wholesale their baked goods and pantry items to Cheshire, Shrewsbury, Welshpool and North Wales, also sending out items nationally by courier.

The magic happens in the beautiful Grade II-listed Black Gate building on Salop Road. Customers can enjoy the delicious aromas of freshly made bread and pastries as they drink their coffee. Samantha described visiting Niche as ‘an experience like no other’: you can sit in a luxurious setting whilst you watch the freshly made goods you are enjoying being made around you.

Niche sells over a hundred croissant flavours in a variety of forms (including classic croissants, cube-shaped, New York Rolls and Cruffins). This year, you can preorder Niche’s Croissant Box to enjoy on Christmas morning. A £30 box includes: two Biscoff Latte croissants and two each of the Almond and Orange, Kinder Bueno, and Salted Caramel and Apple flavours.

If you want to surprise a loved one this Christmas, you could also gift them a baking class with Adam! Visitors can learn from scratch how to make a sourdough loaf or croissants, spending the whole day at the bakery. The experience includes coffee and pastries on arrival, lunch, as well as the chance for people to ask Adam any questions they might have and take home what they need to continue baking!

Oswestry has many fantastic options for those looking to find delicious food and coffee this Christmas. Unfortunately, it has such an array of cafes that I could not fit them all in this article: The Old Schoolhouse (a beautiful grade II listed building beside St Oswald’s Church), the award-winning Booka Bookshop and cafe, The Courtyard Eatery, Gillhams, Aroma, Wilson’s Coffee House and Cambrian Coffee and Cakes, to name just a few. This is really a testament to Oswestry and the number of great businesses we have here.

I would encourage everyone to go in and experience these warm environments for themselves and explore what Oswestry has to offer over the festive period. I hope this article provides some food for thought (excuse the pun) and has helped people learn a little about Oswestry’s café culture.

Article and photos courtesy of Emelia Newton.