CSONS — Restaurant in Shrewsbury

A visit to CSONS was a carefully calculated pit stop on a long day of travelling which started at 3:30am and my goodness did it pay dividends!

It’s actually a 10-15 minute walk from Shrewsbury railway station depending on whether you take the scenic route which winds it’s way around the historic cobbled back streets or the more direct one through the town centre.

We were a few minutes late arriving due to a train delay as we had pre-booked but that did not matter. Joseph was so welcoming and found the perfect spot of us the eat and watch the world go by. There is plenty of choice on the menu: beverages as well as breakfast and something for all. We ordered The Full CSONS and The Scandinavian ( I did originally order the Veggie in my sleepiness but it was not problem for the team to do the change straightaway).

Now if you are going to do a day’s travelling the secret is a good breakfast but this was not a good breakfast…..it was a fabulously awesome and beautifully cooked breakfast!!! 🤩 Everything on the plate was seasonally in touch, cooked with love and tasted divine. As for beverages I tried the local Worcester Permain apple juice served hot with a touch of cinnamon. Being lactose intolerant was not a problem here as there were lots of alternatives but this was something special. Think of Christmas in a cup on a warm August morning and you have that lovely juxtaposition of summer and winter warmth to cleanse the palate 😊

It would have lovely to linger on as the atmosphere has a very cool, relaxed vibe with music subtle in the background allowing you to chat to the staff and amongst yourselves. Plenty of seating, sanitation stations and NHS app is very visible. However, we had a train to catch and had to bid a fond farewell to Joseph and his team.

CSONS really does live up to it’s reputation as something unique - no big chain, just people with a passion for locally produced food and excellent service. Anyone visiting Shrewsbury has to visit CSONS whatever your dietary needs are or when your food alarm clock is ringing or simply just take five out of your day, allow time to stand still and enjoy the...

11 of us stopped by Shrewsbury as a midpoint to meet on our route to Wales for the Bank Holiday weekend. We booked at CSons and it was truly amazing.

A small but welcoming place. I loved the idea that it was seasonal food (Cson - season). There were artistic posters around showing what foods were available in certain seasons.

Anyway, to the food!

Being vegan I had the: Harissa Cauliflour - Small plate. This was delicous and very flavoursome

Salt Baked Celeriac - Small plate. This was insane. If you've never had baked celeriac before then this is a must! There was so many textures and flavours and the portion sizes were decent. Accompanied with a side of greens and potatoes (which are vegan) that I shared with my partner.

They didn't have a specific dessert for vegans apart from the usual sorbet but I asked the waiter and he said there was a ginger cake that wasn't on the menu. So they whipped up something for me and it was stunning and delicious. In my top 3 for desserts! See the overly happy me with me dessert in the picture!

Overall: Csons caters for all. Meat lovers to vegans alike. The food is rich, flavorsome and textual. The price is on the higher side, but when you get good quality food, great service and enjoyment, then it is...

Oh dear....I was looking forward to my 1st visit and birthday meal on saturday night but despite booking well in advance we were seated in a pokey back area away from the main restaurant on uncomfortable chairs and wonky table that was so uneven I had to find a sweet spot to stand my wine glass. The wall next to me was splattered with food. We were near a back entrance to the toilets/ smoking area/ kitchen staff store room, so had the door constantly banging. The main course , at £15, was decidedly average. I'm no Yotam Ottolenghi, but I have knocked up better on a wed night in 30 mins from the store cupboard . We didn't stay for dessert, I didnt want anymore disappointment. Suggestion 1 - sack off that back room seating area , it's horrible, and not conducive to evening dining. Suggestion 2 - mains totally over priced, i'm all for rustic but it really wasn't great and in need of some finesse to warrant the price. Suggestion 3 - maybe stick to breakfasts and lunches. I dont think Csons cuts it as an evening venue. Sorry but I wouldn't recommend, ...