Chester Market Goes Al Fresco

A new pop-up outdoor eating area is opening on 4th July to coincide with relaxing of the lockdown rules for cafes and restaurants.

Located in courtyard area to the rear of the Forum Shopping Centre, Market Al Fresco will allow Chester Market to revive its popular Foodie Friday and Saturday evening openings which were closed once the Covid-19 lockdown came into force in March.

Formerly the quadrangle in front of the Gateway Theatre, the courtyard will be carefully managed to ensure the latest guidelines on social distancing will be met whilst enabling customers to enjoy the wide range of food and drink available from the market.

The Market Al Fresco will be open daily from 10am until 4pm and on Friday and Saturday evenings until 8pm for a trial period during the summer; with tables carefully spaced to allow for approx. 40 customers at a time.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Growth, said: “I am delighted we have been able to revive the Foodie Friday and Saturday evenings, and allow our fantastic range of food and beverage traders to reopen and serve their award-winning ranges of street food and drinks.

The past 4 months have been tough for our market traders but they have risen to the challenge and provided takeaway and delivery services; but our Market Al Fresco space will allow them to get back to what they do best and serve some of the best and most vibrant food in Chester.”

Stuart Fenney of the Market’s Nice Bites stall said: “We are delighted to be able to start serving our customers again and enjoying the great atmosphere of our Foodie evenings; thanks to everyone for making this happen in such as short space of time; I think I can speak for all my fellow traders and say we can’t wait to reopen!”