The Chester independents that have opened this year
So far this year, Chester has seen a wave of independent businesses opting to open in the city.
Within the mix there has been restaurants, gift shops, clothing stores, pubs and more.
You find a list below of just a few of these independents - some of which have already made their mark on the city.
Russell's Thai Tapas - Foregate Street
Independent restaurant Russell's Thai Tapas opened its doors on Foregate Street in January this year.
Ran by husband and wife duo, Chonlada Wangpradit and Nakorn Chaopa, it follows the success of their other Chester location, Thai Bann.
The Foregate street building was formerly home to The Eatery, who's owners had run the place cafe for eight years.
You can visit book your next visit at their website here.
Chester Station Tap - City Road
The Chester Station Tap Room opened its doors to the public in April, following a successful fundraiser and complete renovation of the station's dilapidated west wing.
A significant part of the project, a Crowdfunder which sought to raise £50k for the building's extensive renovations, managed to hit the target a day before its deadline in March.
The local brewery behind the project, Spitting Feathers, revamped the historic grade II listed building into what is today a bustling and vibrant community space.
You can find out more here.
Utility - Eastgate Row
Independent design and gift company, Utility, launched its first store in Chester back in May.
The store offers a curated selection of unique gifts, greetings cards, homeware and fashion accessories.
Located at 50 Eastgate Row, the latest addition marks the company's 25th year of business - having operated in the North West since 1999.
You can find out more here.
Bread and Butter - Rufus Court
In May, Rufus Court welcomed its newest independent restaurant, led by Greenhouse's former head-chef April Kirk.
Bread and Butter initially began with what April identified as a gap in the market for "locally-sourced and hearty comfort food".
She cited Chester's "vibrant" community as a major influence when deciding to launch the business in the city she grew up in.
You can find out more about the restaurant on Instagram, or find its website here.
The Açai Grove - Lower Bridge Street
Connie Kidd opened the Açai Grove on Lower Bridge Street in April this year, which soon became one of Chester's newest "go-to" healthy food spots.
Offering açai bowls, smoothies and matcha, its 22-year-old co-owner has amassed over 100,000 followers on TikTok.
Açai, pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is a berry found on açai palm trees in South African rainforests, primarily in Brazil. It is often used to create frozen smoothie bowls with a dark purple colour, providing a rich source of antioxidants.
You can find the The Açai Grove on Instagram here.
Louison - St Werburgh Street
Louison, an independent family concept store, opened on St Werburgh Street in May.
Citing the store as a space to "bring the community together", by offering events for children and families, Marine Louison explained how her French heritage inspired the venture.
You can shop for the whole family in the store, with a curated selection of homeware, kids' essentials, unique gifts, clothes, cards and more.
Alongside stocking unique items and being dog-friendly, Louison offers a space for community events in the city.
You can find out more about Louison here.
Calma Salon - Boughton
Calma Salons, owned by husband and wife duo, Chloe and Jordan Chambers, opened its doors for the first time in May.
As their second location, after launching their first in Altrincham last March, the salon is based on a concept of good energy and high standards.
Chloe wanted to focus on creating a space where people could relax and feel good, regardless of what the rest of their day looks like.
You can find Calma on Instagram or through its booking page here.
Lucy & Yak - St Werburgh Street
Independent lifestyle brand 'Lucy & Yak' opened its Chester store in late July.
Located on St Werburgh Street, it marks the brand's twelfth store across the country.
The store is fully accessible from street level and includes five "thoughtfully" designed changing rooms and one accessible changing room.
It reflects Lucy & Yak's ambition to build a stronger physical presence across the UK.
You can find out more here.
Poké Bowl - Northgate Street
This month (August) two Chester locals opened the city's first ever poke bowl bar.
Poké Bowl, located next to Porta on Northgate Street, offers customisable poke bowls, açai bowls, superfood smoothies, matcha, coffee and more.
Co-owners Shaf and Lydia wanted to bring "something brand new" to the local food scene - serving food which is fast, fresh and full of flavour.
A poke bowl is a base of rice with either raw fish or other kinds of cooked/ plant-based protein, paired with various vegetables and toppings - often topped with varied sauces.
You can find out more here.
The Sandbar - Watergate Street
Based within the former Henry Potts pub, the Sandbar opened as the city's newest seafood restaurant early this month (August).
Behind the new venture is the owner of Chester Market's Sandbar Seafood Shack, Martin Taylor.
Having arrived at the old market in 2020, Taylor combines years of knowledge in top restaurant kitchens with his travels from around the world.
Backed by industry legend Jerry Brunning and specialising in "great seafood", the Sandbar uses ingredients selected from local farms "for quality and taste".
You can book a table or find out more about The Sandbar here.
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