SOPHIE DILLON
Sophie Dillon, 49, is the business owner of Old School House
Though I was born in Oswestry, I was itching to live a city life from the age of 18, and I did just that, living in Liverpool, Manchester, London, Melbourne and Perth. At some point I yearned for my home town and to be near my family again.
Oswestry is so pretty, we have beautiful walks and cycle routes, and it's got a big attitude for a little town! There are some great independent businesses here, and they are growing. Being an Oswestry resident brings a lovely support network of friendly locals who enthusiastically support small businesses in the town. There are lots of activity groups who run, cycle, play tennis, knit, and even just drink coffee together.
My business, Old School House cafe, restaurant and bar, resides in the second oldest grammar school in the country, Oswestry School, established in 1407 by David Holbache. It oozes character and charm with its beamed walls and ceilings, wonky timber floors, and stunning south-facing walled courtyard. In its time, it has been a school, a toy museum, four residential cottages, and home to a tourist information centre. I took it over in 2021 and opened a fully licensed café/ restaurant/bar, offering contemporary food menus (day and evening), craft ales, a lovely wine list, award-winning coffee, homemade cakes, locallyproduced gelato and much more! We grow our own fruit and vegetables onsite, all of which gets used in the restaurant, and we are a registered Sustainably Run Restaurant of which we are very proud.
Oswestry is my home town, I had a strong connection to the Old School House building as I went to Oswestry School myself. There are plenty of discerning residents in the town who I was confident would appreciate the quality and quirkiness that the Old School House brings.
I have a few favourite spots in Oswestry. Pont Duncan where the road goes over the river at Morda, is one. I have so many childhood memories of summer days, picnics, bike rides, and rope swings over the river, also up on the Hillfort, where the views are really spectacular.