Good news for Shrewsbury as restaurant owner commits to another three years at Exo Poli

Ms Smith, whose venue brings a little bit of Crete to Longden Road, said: “We have had a very hard year and after much deliberation I have decided to extend the lease on the property for another three years.”

Ms Smith said the business will be trying out the Shrewsbury Eats delivery app in the new year to bring new visibility to the business, which is outside the town centre.

Exo Poli focuses on food from Crete with a home-made menu that she creates fresh every week.

Following the Christmas break the restaurant will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

And Ms Smith has vowed to continue with her £5 takeaway menus for chicken and halloumi gyros on Wednesdays too.

Ms Smith knows that there is a demand for her style of business because of the stunning response when there was a risk of it closing. She was staggered by the response and it has helped give her the confidence in the future.

“It has always been my dream to do this,” she said.

“But even after six years I still meet people who don't know that we are here.”

The venue is fully licensed with 30 covers inside and, in the summer there is extra space outside.

“There are so many other places closing in Shrewsbury but even during Covid I never defaulted on my rent.

“This is a positive step – because if I did not think I was capable of doing this I would not have signed up.

“We have had amazing support and I believe that there is the demand for freshly cooked food out there.”

But she adds that the full menu will not be available on the Shrewsbury Eats app when the service goes live in the new year.

For that experience people will have to book up to visit the restaurant.

Ms Smith, who does all the cooking at Exo Poli is helped by “two amazing girls” who work front of house.