The café culture is starting to reemerge in Chester city centre in spite of lockdown although for now it’s takeaway only.
People may not be able to sit inside but many have been grabbing a cappuccino or latte and enjoying it while lapping up the spring sunshine.
Lovers of Jaunty Goat will be pleased to discover the Bridge Street outlet is now open for takeaways between 10am and 5pm, with card payments only.
Likewise Bridget St Coffee shop is open for drinks and a selection of brioche baps with a list of dos and don’ts and hand sanitiser available on entry and exit.
The Bridge Café and Bistro is up and running too.
Also open is nearby Leonidas, which is a café but is probably best known for selling sumptuous Belgian chocolates.
Ice cream and snacks are available for takeaway from businesses including Crêpeaffaire, Icestone Desserts, Falafel Xpress, Chip-O-Dee, Chip’d as well as places down at The Groves including The Riverside Takeaway and Ice Cream Parlour and Snugburys on the River.
Restaurants have had to adapt as they cannot accepts diners at the moment so some have turned themselves into collection and delivery services such as Chez Jules, Hanky Panky Pancakes, Ephesus Grill, Nando’s, Five Guys, Paysan and Hickory’s Smokehouse.
It’s great to see strong independents like The Cheese Shop and greengrocer Francis Thomas continuing to serve their loyal customer base with the quality produce these vendors offer.
Of course, the large city centre supermarkets are still open for a full range of food including Tesco, M&S and Iceland as well as pharmacies like Boots, Superdrug and independent health food store Lifeworx, formerly known as The Granary. Also open is Wilko in Foregate Street and Poundland in nearby Frodsham Street.
Food & Drink during lockdown
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to reopen from June 1 while stores selling non-essential retail, ‘ranging from department stores to small, independent shops’ are expected to reopen from June 15 providing the death tolls and infection rates continue to fall.
The Government has warned the earliest possible date for hairdressing salons to reopen is July 4 due to the close contact involved. Safety measures could include staggered arrival and departure times, using screens or barriers for separation and keeping the activity time as short as possible.
