The owner of a new independent bar in Chester says launching the venue in his home city "felt like the obvious thing to do".

Wonky Tusk is due to open at 64 Northgate Street this August, with a soft launch planned for a small group of independent business owners before welcoming the general public.

Owner Desmond Richard Piercy, who was born and raised in Chester, previously ran businesses in the city including Great Outdoors. He said the city was one he had always known and loved, and that creating a new venue there was a natural choice.

Wonky Tusk will focus on craft ale, fine wine and music, with the owners aiming to create a cosy and intimate bar that appeals to both beer and wine drinkers.

The business says it wants to offer independent ales alongside a selection of wines, as well as cider and spirits, creating a venue where people with different tastes can enjoy the same space.

A spokesperson for the business said: "We want Wonky Tusk to be the kind of place where one person can enjoy a proper independent ale, while the person they're drinking with gets stuck into a smooth Malbec.

"No sad little bottle of house wine as an afterthought, we want to bridge the gap between nice wine, and good beer. (Some decent ciders and spirits too)."

Plans submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council earlier this year describe the bar as a small venue with capacity for around 30 to 35 people.

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The application also states the business intends to apply for a pavement licence to allow outdoor seating, similar to other venues on Northgate Street.

The venue will occupy the former My Funny Valentine Bridal premises, which closed in June.