See inside Shrewsbury’s new Mediterranean tapas and wine bar with a stunning courtyard and an 'intimate' atmosphere

Behind the new venture, which operates as a wine bar and serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas dishes, is Dillon Joseph Richards, who has a wealth of experience in hospitality and events.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Dillon said it had long been a dream of his to open his own restaurant - and he finally took the plunge this March when the site in the bustling street became available. 

“I wanted to open a restaurant about 10 years ago,” he said.

“We officially signed [off on the property] around three weeks ago or a month ago.

“[It was a] really quick turnaround - but the thing is, the infrastructure was here anyway. It was already a trading restaurant.

“All we've had to do is essentially put my spin on it, with the vision that we wanted.

“The actual refit itself probably took only a week or 10 days' worth of work.”

Dillon added: “There were a couple of venues that I really liked and this was one of them.

“I just love the fact that it's intimate enough to create a really nice atmosphere when you're not too busy.

“The garden is the USP [unique selling point]. That garden at the top is amazing.

“We can utilise that Wednesday through Sunday until 8pm - an amazing little suntrap.”

Beyond the property itself, which can seat 24 people indoors and about 58 customers in the courtyard, Dillon said there was no better place to open a business than Wyle Cop.

“It's the longest stretch of independent businesses in the country, isn't it? 

“I've had a business plan that I've been building over the last two or three years. This is my first venture on my own.

“I wanted to do it for as long as I've worked in hospitality, but I'm a bit older now - mid-30s - and I felt like it was time to just give it a go, and see what happens.”

It’s only the restaurant's first week of business but seeing customers come through the doors, enjoy the local wine and dine on the delicious food has been “great,” Dillon said.

“It does feel good. It's hard because you spend four or five weeks trying to make it happen, and then you open the doors and realise that's when the hard work starts, but it's good.

“I’m really happy and really proud of myself and my partner, Ella.

“She's been so amazing for getting this going. She's going to run this with me, hopefully on a daily basis. She's amazing at all the things I'm terrible at!

“If I can just be the face and make sure that service is good, drinks are right, my food's right, hopefully we'll create a bit of longevity.”

The support from other independents nearby has also been “amazing", Dillon said.

“The support from the independents in town and the guys in House Coffee Co [in Coleham] and everybody in Wyle Cop has been so supportive. 

“We’re two days in, going into our first weekend - we’re excited to see what happens.”

Dill is open in 19 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, from Wednesday to Saturday, between 11am and 11pm, with last food orders at 8.45pm; as well as Sunday, between noon and 7pm with last food orders at 6pm.

Learn more about Dill through the official social media channels.