Chester Race Company has closed down a city centre wine bar just eight months after buying it.

The company purchased Ginger Wine Bar and Deli on Northgate Street last September. But this morning they issued a statement saying that the business will cease trading and close its doors to the general public.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Race Company, said: “Industry pressures and a saturated market have had challenging implications for Ginger and despite our best efforts, we have had to make the difficult decision to close.

"Staff members will be deployed into wider Chester Race Company restaurant roles and the business will focus efforts on the existing portfolio of eateries and bars within the group.”

Ginger opened in November 2015, replacing the Harvest Moon cafe. It was run by local businesswoman Jade Palmer and her mum Sandra, who sold the business to the race company last September.

Ginger was part of a Race Company portfolio which also included the 1539 Restaurant & Bar and The White Horse pub at Chester Racecourse, as well as Commonhall St Social.

Earlier this month, the company also announced the purchase of The Yew Tree pub in Bunbury - its first venture outside the city centre.

Ginger will close as of today (Monday, April 23), the Race Company confirmed.