A CHESTER city centre wine shop and wine bar has welcomed customers to its much-anticipated new outdoor seating area as it reopened on Monday, April 12.

Independent business Vin Santo, located in the city's historic crypted cellars on Watergate Street, was seeing strong trade on its first day of Covid restrictions easing.

And such was the level of interest in the new-look premises that its website temporarily crashed due to "unprecedented" public demand on Sunday.

Owner Simon Parkinson said he was pleased to be part of a thriving independent business community in Chester, which has seen numbers grow despite the Covid-caused challenges of the past year.

He said: "Obviously the business hasn't been open without restrictions, because we knew when we opened last July, there were restrictions, but I'm just really glad to be open and really proud of what my team have done and how we've pulled together; it's going to be an asset to Watergate Street and its surrounding businesses.

"It's a real testament to Chester that it's a real thriving independent scene as well. We don't have any chains here, really, except for two at the top of the street. In terms of bars and food, it's all independent, all local, all Chester people and I think that's fantastic.

Vin Santo owner Simon Parkinson at the newly reopened business, which now features an outdoor wine terrace.

Vin Santo owner Simon Parkinson at the newly reopened business, which now features an outdoor wine terrace.

"And that's really good for the business community and for the people of Chester. It's so nice to see so many people out supporting these independent businesses right from the get-go. We have got loads of footfall.

"The city has lots of new things to offer – not just this but all the restaurants and bars which have outside seating, the places have had a spruce-up, a new paint job, and that is really wonderful to see.

"When you look at other national or global crises, recessions and economic issues, independent businesses always suffer, but it seems that through the pandemic, independent business has been nimble and agile to adapt really quickly, and actually it is the big chains which appear to have suffered more.

"I look around the city where there are vacant units left by big chains, and it is small, independent businesses taking them, and that's absolutely fantastic for Chester, I'm really really pleased.

"I just hope that the recovery now is based on independent business."

Watergate Street was busy as businesses reopened on Monday, April 12.

Watergate Street was busy as businesses reopened on Monday, April 12.

The new-look Vin Santo comprises a team of 10, and Simon added they were on the look-out for new people to join them, and the sister Vinological wine store which will continue to run at Chester Market. For more information, visit the Watergate Street premises with a CV, or email info@vinsantochester.co.uk.

Vin Santo is now open seven days a week. Booking is advised at vinsantochester.co.uk or call 01244 310455.