If you’ve ever spotted a rogue spelling mistake on our menu or received an email from me that made you chuckle, you’re not imagining things. I’m dyslexic. It’s something I’ve lived with all my life, and while it still brings its fair share of embarrassment (yes, even now), it’s also shaped who I am and how I run The Upton. 

 

School Days: Stigma and the “Remedial” Label 

 

Growing up, dyslexia wasn’t talked about much—at least not in any helpful way. I was put in the remedial class at school, which, frankly, was a bit of a scarlet letter. The stigma stuck. Not being able to spell basic words, no matter how hard I tried, was embarrassing and isolating. The feeling of being “different” or “behind” never really left me, and it’s something that still pops up from time to time, especially when a typo sneaks past my best efforts. Can’t tell you how many chocolate mouse rather than mousse have ended up on the menu over the years……. 

 

What I remember most isn’t just the red pen marks or the sighs from teachers—it’s the quiet moments of being left out, or the way my stomach would twist before having to read aloud in class. That sense of being “other” can shape you, and it certainly shaped me. 

 

The Other Stuff Dyslexia Brings 

 

It’s not just about spelling or reading. Dyslexia brings a whole bag of quirks that most people never think twice about. For me, map reading is a nightmare—give me a SatNav over a paper map any day. Filling out forms? I’ll procrastinate for ages , dreading the inevitable mistakes and the feeling I’ve missed something important. Timetables—whether trains, planes, or buses—can look like a jumble of numbers and lines, and I still have to triple-check which platform I’m meant to be on. Even proofing my own writing is tricky; my eyes just don’t catch what everyone else seems to spot instantly. 

 

These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re daily reminders that my brain is wired a bit differently. And while it can be frustrating, it’s also made me more resourceful, more patient (with myself and others), and very, very grateful for technology and supportive people! 

 

The Upside: Dyslexia and Creative Problem-Solving 

 

But here’s the twist: dyslexia forced me to find new ways to get things done. I had to get creative, because the usual routes just didn’t work for me. That need to approach problems differently has been a secret weapon in business. At The Upton, it means I’m always looking for fresh solutions—whether that’s rethinking our menu, finding ways to make guests feel truly welcome, or navigating the never-ending puzzle of running a busy pub and restaurant. Dyslexia has shaped my thinking, and I honestly believe it’s made me a better problem-solver and a more creative business owner. 

 

For example, when we reopened The Upton, we didn’t have a big marketing budget or a fancy PR team. Instead, we relied on storytelling, word of mouth, and a bit of creative chaos—turning our limitations into strengths. When a supplier lets us down last minute, I’m used to thinking on my feet, because that’s what dyslexia has always required of me. I see connections and possibilities that others might miss, simply because I have to. 

 

The Mental Health Side: The Struggle Is Real 

 

Let’s not sugarcoat it, though. The shame of not being able to spell, even as an adult, hasn’t disappeared. It’s still embarrassing, especially in a world that can be quick to judge. There are days when a silly spelling mistake can knock my confidence, and I know I’m not alone in that. The mental health impact of dyslexia—feeling “less than” or worried about being found out—can be tough to shake. 

 

It’s not just about words on a page; it’s about that old feeling of being “the one who can’t.” Even now, when I’m writing menus or sending out emails, there’s a little voice in my head second-guessing every word. Sometimes I’ll spend ages checking and re-checking, only for a mistake to slip through anyway. It’s a small thing, but it can make you feel exposed, even as a grown adult running a business. 

 

Dyslexia in the Family: A New Generation, A New Approach 

 

Dyslexia runs in families, and sure enough, two of my three children are also dyslexic. The difference? This time we caught it early. With proper support, different teaching methods, and brilliant mentoring, both of them went on to university. I couldn’t be prouder. It just shows what’s possible when you get the right help at the right time—a world away from my own school experience. 

 

Support Has Come a Long Way 

 

The good news? Support for dyslexia is miles better than it used to be. Schools and workplaces are more aware, there are brilliant tools to help with reading and writing, and there’s a growing understanding that everyone’s brain works a bit differently. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. I wish I’d had that kind of support when I was a kid—it would have made a world of difference. 

 

Now, there are apps to help with spelling, voice-to-text tools, and—crucially—more patience from people who “get it.” At The Upton, I encourage the team to ask for help, to try new things, and to embrace their own quirks. We’re stronger for it. 

 

Why Awareness and Understanding Matter 

 

If there’s one thing I’d love people to take away, it’s this: a little understanding goes a long way. You never know what someone else is dealing with—whether it’s a staff member, a guest, or the person behind the bar. At The Upton, we try to make everyone feel at home, quirks and all. If you spot a typo, just know it’s part of our charm (and probably a sign that I wrote it myself). More importantly, it’s a reminder that we all have our own challenges, and a bit of kindness and patience never goes amiss. 

 

We’re all a bit imperfect, and that’s what makes a place like The Upton feel like home. Sometimes, it’s the small imperfections—the misspelled specials board, the slightly quirky menu descriptions—that remind us we’re all human. 

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Thanks for reading—and for supporting a pub that’s proudly imperfect, always learning, and just a little bit dyslexic. If you’d like to know more about us or pay us a visit, you can find all the details at www.theupton.co.uk.