Little Yellow Pig. who opened in Hoole in 2014 have opened a city centre coffee shop on Godstall Lane

Owners Richard and Lucy previously had a coffee shop in Nantwich which closed when the lease came to an end. “We wanted to be closer to our Hoole shop.” says Richard. ” We never thought about town because there are so many good places, but there’s always room for one more. Everyone does well and supports each other in Chester! ”

The couple first looked at the unit, which has seen various tenants over the years, 6 years ago. ” I remember when it was Cheshire Sandwich company, when we got it, it was the Doghouse coffee shop.” The new café has a spacious upper floor with kitchen and toilets in the basement, and has been completely renovated.

The décor shares the same themes as the Hoole branch, including Lego minifigure displays. “We have tried to keep it similar to Hoole. We have Dave Shrigley posters. I have featured Chester artists. my friend Lee did the Pig. Tim Foxon has done a one off custom piece for us. Mark Vernall does all our T shirts, and we have some merchandise. We are trying to keep the feel of Hoole.

“When me and Lucy come to town, there are places to go and some really good places to eat, but we felt there was a gap in the market. The food offering is a little bit different. We do full breakfasts, toasties and focaccias, its quite a big menu. Lucy has been doing the menu for 11 years. “

Of their location on the street labelled “Chester’s Romantic Heart” Richard says: ” I think Godstall Lane is the prettiest in Chester. For our brand it fits perfectly, its centre of town but still a bit out of the way. We have great support and have built a loyal customer base since we opened in Hoole.”

Richard is upbeat about Chester city centre’s prospects. ” We have been here all our lives, Chester goes through stages. I think for coffee we are one of the best in the country, we’ve got Bean and Cole, Chalk, Just Coffee. I don’t think Liverpool or Manchester are as good as us. I would like to see some more independent retail, but it is hard with online shopping.” In particular he praises independent neighbour, jewellery store Atlas of Dreams.”

“I think Chester’s great and I don’t think you appreciate it when you’re here every day. It’s nice to be here in the centre and its only going to get better!”

Open Mon- Sunday 5 Godstall Lane