Fire-hit Oswestry restaurant back in business

Brooks Around the Corner in Oswestry was gutted by fire in November after a blaze started in a tumble dryer in the cellar of the business.

Since then owners Lisa and Matt Newton have worked non-stop to reopen the business while also keeping a school meals service going for schools and nurseries in the Oswestry area.

Mrs Newton said: "I stood outside when the fire was happening and one of the staff was crying, and I said 'it's not the end of the world'. At times I've felt like it really was, but we will be left with a beautiful restaurant now.

"We've made some changes – we will be using the double doors on the corner as the main entrance, so the bar has moved, and everything's been redecorated beautifully.

"We are very happy and overwhelmed with how beautiful the build is and can't wait to share it with our customers."

The restaurant on the corner of Lower Brook Street and Church Street finally reopened last night with many old customers returning to support the business.

Mrs Newton said:

"We can't thank our customers, suppliers, friends and family enough for the support and encouragement that has been offered, particularly over the last few weeks.

"If it was not for people's help and the support from local businesses we would not have been able to carry on."