SCORES of people were eager to try out a new Chester city centre coffee shop on Saturday, with queues stretching down the street.

Independent coffee roaster 200 Degrees has been building quite a following since it started in 2012, and its 19th shop attracted a queue of over 100 people before the doors opened.

One lucky winner claimed the grand prize, walking away with a Sage Barista Express Machine, worth over £500.

One lucky winner claimed the grand prize, walking away with a Sage Barista Express Machine, worth over £500.

At 9am, the first 50 people to walk through the door nabbed a specially designed Chester-themed tote bag stuffed with discount vouchers and free gifts.

One lucky winner claimed the grand prize, walking away with a Sage Barista Express Machine, worth over £500, while two others were rewarded for their early start with a free barista school experience and a free three-month coffee subscription.

Visitors also got the opportunity to explore 200 Degree’s new Barista School situated within the shop and get some tips from experienced staff.

Customers saw Victoria Arduino coffee machines which allowed them to make a coffee on a professional espresso machine, texturise the milk to the perfect level of froth and have a go at some latte art. They also had a chance to try a smell kit, training their noses to identify different notes, like chocolate, hazelnut, apple, and honey.

Head of coffee Graham Hepburn said: “Chester’s a beautiful city and the shop is in a fantastic location. I was really struck by the customers who came to talk to me and check out our Barista School on the day – there’s a real enthusiasm for coffee and more than anything, a desire to learn.

"We can’t wait to help the people of Chester drink better coffee.”

The independent roaster’s latest barista school also doubles as a high-spec meeting room available for anyone to book.

Chester won’t be newest 200 Degrees coffee shop for long – the company has also just announced the location of their 20th shop. West Bridgford in the company’s home city of Nottingham will welcome its first customers later this summer.