CHESTER Market will soon be full to bursting with new traders helping bring the venue to capacity.

Nine new local and independent stalls and businesses have either opened their doors already or are imminently due to begin trading at Chester Market, which has seen a renaissance since the influx of food and drink establishments in early 2018.

The nine new arrivals bring the market to full occupancy with a total of 42 stalls.

New traders already open for business are wine store and deli Vinological, The Art Kiosk by Mark Wigan and tea and coffee store Tea Island, while Berrisford Barns has a specialist flower and plant stall open from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

The Art Kiosk specialises in pop art, while Tea Island has loose leaf teas, coffees, canapés and 'teatails' – tea-based cocktails as its offerings.

Coming soon to Chester Market are:

  • Sans Studio – artist Emily Gerrard producing prints and T-shirts,
  • CH1 Barbers – specialising in shaves, fades and Afro-Caribbean,
  • Liquor 2 Lips – craft spirit merchant,
  • Vinyl Ritchie – vinyl listening booth,
  • Vegan restaurant.

The new food and drink stalls will provide even more choice for lunch, a take-away treat or at the popular Foodie Friday event.

The vegan restaurant will join existing Italian, Thai and Caribbean specialities as well as street food, a taco bar, artisan breads and a traditional British market café.

Specialist teas, carefully selected wines and craft spirits will complement the craft beer tap room and bottle shop.

Cllr Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Growth, said: “Chester Market is amazing, it has become a real hub for the city and a popular new destination for visitors.

"It’s all down to the vision of the markets team, the traders and the local residents who believed in its revival and they have worked hard together to make the place what it is today.

“The arrival of these new traders will mean that there is even more offer, with the market providing a fantastic selection of local produce, everyday essentials, special gifts and delicious dining options.

“As we look towards the future, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities for the new market building in the Northgate development. This is a real opportunity for everyone to work together and to take everything we love about Chester Market to the next level.”

In the last two years Chester Market has been transformed and visitor numbers have increased by over 20 per cent from last year.

Chester Market is within the Forum Shopping Centre. It is open Monday to Thursday and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm. The market is open until 9pm for Foodie Friday.