Range of offers are available

Feb 8 2008 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER businesses are lending their support to the Smile campaign by staying open later or provide special discounts during the closure of Hoole Bridge.

Retailers are pledging support over the forthcoming weeks in the hope shoppers will respond to the city council’s offer of free parking after 5pm.

Craig Fermor, who runs CJ Smoothies underneath the Clock on Eastgate Street, said: “We will definitely open until six. We’re happy to help.”

Coffee Republic on Northgate Street is offering 15% off all products during the closure of the bridge.

Starbucks, on Northgate St, will be opening until 7pm toward the end of the bridge closure as the warmer spring weather arrives.

Sarah Whitelaw, manager of Caffe Nero, on Bridge St, said: “We would perhaps open temporarily until maybe half six or seven and see if the trade is there. Our Eastgate branch opens until seven at the moment.”

Liz Chantler, manager of Raymond’s Sandwich Bar, on Frodsham St, said: “I will certainly consider putting on discounts or offers during the closure of Hoole Bridge.”

Chester shop La Senza, The Mall, is staying open late on Tuesday, 12 February from 5.30pm-8pm with Valentine’s Day gift ideas for both men and women. Highlights at the store include a Valentines scratchcard to win special prizes, 15% discounts in store and half price perfume.

Other offers in the city include:

Chez Gerard Brasserie, Bridge Street: Two lunchtime courses for £12.95 (Mon-Fri).

Fiesta Havana, Watergate St: Happy hour (Sun-Fri, 5pm-7.30pm); £2.95 cocktails; two lunchtime courses for £7.95 (12-3pm Sat-Mon).

Chester Mill Shop, Watergate St: Sale on now and to continue over the forthcoming weeks.

Bar Lounge, Watergate St: £7.95 for two lunchtime courses (Mon-Fri).

Ego, Grosvenor St: Early evening menu two courses for £11.90, three for £13.90 (mon-Sat, 12-6/7); Monday evening – two courses and a bottle of wine for £17.50.

Politic, Watergate St: Valentine’s Day special £28.

Custom House, Watergate St: Two courses from Golden Greats menu for £3.95 (Mon-Thur, noon-6pm).

Interiors, Pepper St: Sale on.