A new speciality coffee shop is set to open on Frodsham Street later this month, with a provisional opening date of Tuesday 23 June.

Trevor Vels, owner of Roots Coffee, moved to the UK from South Africa in 2011. He said the business represents a long-held plan finally coming to life after more than four decades in hospitality.

"I've worked in the hotel industry for 45 years, all around the world," he said. "This has always been my retirement dream."

The café is being developed alongside his daughter Victoria, who is helping to shape the branding and day-to-day direction of the business.

He said the family quickly developed a strong attachment to Chester.

"Of course we fell in love with the city. Who wouldn't?" he told Nub News. "The history in this city, 15 years on, it still impresses us every day when we walk down the street. It is just the most amazing city."

That attachment to Chester is reflected in the name of the business, Roots, a reference to the idea of "putting down roots" in the city. The concept also underpins the café's wider approach, with a focus on championing local Cheshire producers.

"Everything we're trying to do is about local Cheshire artisan craft," Trevor said.

advertisement

On this theme, the business has partnered with Malpas-based Lost Barn Coffee, which sources beans globally and roasts them in-house. Trevor has chosen a Brazilian-Colombian house blend for Roots.

"Honestly, it is beautiful," he said. "We have lived around the world, we've travelled quite a lot, and it is the best coffee I've tasted anywhere outside of Italy."

Inside, the café has been fitted using reclaimed and locally sourced materials, including timber recovered from sites across Cheshire.

Reflecting on the process of opening the shop, Trevor added: "I'm trying to create something that has been my vision for about 20 years. This space is honestly the manifestation of my dream."

Roots has already recruited local staff and invested in specialist coffee training. Its day-to-day operation will be led mainly by Trevor and Victoria.

The independent café will serve speciality coffee, matcha and tea, alongside sweet treats and savoury options including paninis and sandwiches.

You can find out more about Roots here.