Shropshire’s First Mushroom Cafe Set to Open in Oswestry

Shropshire’s inaugural mushroom cafe is scheduled to commence operations in Oswestry this Friday. Named Shrooms, the establishment will offer traditional coffee alongside medicinal mushrooms in both tea and powder forms, with plans to eventually provide fresh, on-site cultivated mushrooms. Co-owners Paul and Alex Murray also intend to conduct guided educational tours of their “fruiting room.” The mushroom cafe has taken over the former Dorothy Perkins store on Cross Street, a Grade II listed building that had been vacant for three years. The concept for the mushroom cafe and urban farm was developed by the couple two years ago, prompting their search for a suitable location. Mr. Murray shared, “I always had a passion for mushrooms, going out and foraging with my dad.” The owners noted that their cafe is the first in the UK to also grow mushrooms on its premises, utilizing a 120-sq m (1,300-sq ft) fruiting room located upstairs. While the cafe’s opening on Friday aims to attract Christmas shoppers, its official launch event is slated for January 20. The primary mushroom varieties to be cultivated on-site will include Lion’s Mane and other gourmet mushrooms. Mr. Murray commented, “Lion’s Mane tastes like lobster.” As the mushrooms require a controlled environment, the public will only be able to observe them through a designated viewing window. The couple plans to invite schools and various groups to the cafe to educate them on the medicinal advantages of mushrooms. Ms. Murray explained, “Lion’s Mane is the most common medicinal mushroom that people know. It can help you focus, reconnect brain cells and also help with the menopause, which is a big topic at the moment.” Her husband agreed, stating, “Our offer is great for people who want to embrace their health.”