The Loopy Shrew celebrates ten years of food, music and late nights in Shrewsbury

On 5 November 2015 The Loopy Shrew opened its doors on Bellstone in the heart of Shrewsbury. Ten years on, the family-run restaurant, bar and boutique rooms has celebrated its anniversary with a month of events and a special party for the community that has supported it.

The venue is headed by businesswoman Danielle DiTella, who is LA-born and Shropshire bred, and is part of The DiTella group, which also includes Darwin's Townhouse boutique bed and breakfast and the At Home town centre apartments.

Music has always been part of the mix. There is live music every Sunday, and Loopy's After Dark runs every Friday and Saturday with local DJs from 9pm until late. By day the restaurant serves breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with modern British food made from locally sourced produce, craft beers and a hand-selected wine list.

The building has a long hospitality history. It was once The Little Fruit Market at the front, and from the 1940s it housed Sidoli's, the much-loved ice cream parlour and bakery run by the Welsh-Italian Sidoli family. Francis Sidoli was welcomed back as part of the anniversary celebrations. "Ten years of creating a warm, welcoming space for the community is no small achievement," he said.

The name comes from Shrewsbury's long-running debate over whether to say "Shrewsbury" or "Shrowsbury", and from the loop of the river that encircles the town.

"Ten years ago today we opened our doors with a dream and a lot of hope," Danielle said on the anniversary. "Today, we celebrate a decade of unforgettable moments, laughter and a wonderful community here in Shrewsbury." She paid tribute to Head Chef Carl Roberts, who has been with her since The Mytton and Mermaid days, and General Manager Adam Jones.

The venue remains a busy meeting place, hosting business socials and networking evenings as well as private dining, celebrations and parties for 80 or more guests, with an outside terrace for warmer evenings.

The Loopy Shrew is at 15/17 Bellstone, Shrewsbury. Menus, room bookings and details of live music and After Dark nights are on The Loopy Shrew website.