THE owners of a much-loved restaurant in Oswestry have confirmed their plans to enter 'semi-retirement' and cease to offer a weekly service.

Sebastians Restaurant with Rooms, in Willow Street, is owned and run by Mark Sebastian and Michelle Fisher in a 17th century building, and has been a popular destination for dine dining for many years.

However, in a social media post this week, the pair have announced that they are stepping back from the restaurant to take advantage of more time for themselves.

And they thanked all those who have made Sebastians the experience it has been for them since 1989, but confirmed that in the New Year, the business will be reduced to breakfast and accommodation at is four-star rated hotel.

"The restaurant has doubled in size along with the courtyard and the addition of bedrooms, all in keeping with history of the building dating back to the 17th century," they said.

"Breakfasts, French bistro lunches and dinners, menus written in French, Christmas hampers, seafood extravaganzas to Sebastians outside, in marquees, on trains and even from the back of our car in more recent times.

"We have been lucky enough to try it all.

"It has also given us the pleasure of welcoming thousands of guests to our restaurant, many of whom have returned more than once to share in their celebrations, whether it his been milestone birthdays, a wedding anniversary or just for a special treat.

"However, we have decided that the time is right to slow down a little.

"Our children, who have increasingly become part of Sebastians over the last few years, have now finished university and are starting their careers outside of Oswestry.

"The last few years, in particular, have also shown us the importance of taking some more time for ourselves.

"From the New Year onwards, our restaurant will no longer be open on a weekly basis.

"We will just be offering accommodation, breakfast and the occasional restaurant event throughout the year.

"Call it a semi-retirement."

The restaurant is booked up until New Year's Eve, with a cancellation list in operation, but will cease to offer its usual five-course menu on Friday, December 23.

Mark and Michelle added: "We will finish the year on New Year's Eve with a special eight-course menu,

"We love what we do and are so grateful for all the support we have had over the last 33 years.

"We look forward to continuing to be part of your special occasions over the next few months and offering the 'Sebastians Experience in a slightly different way."