Steamer Trading store brings Grade II listed building in Chester city centre to life

Oct 6 2011 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

Steamer Trading store brings Grade II listed building in Chester city centre to life

A SOUTHERN-BASED business has chosen Chester to house its first Northern store.

Steamer Trading was founded in 1985 by Liz and David Phillips on the site of the former Steamer Inn in Alfriston, Sussex, and the company takes pride in renovating unusual and historic buildings.

Now managed by their son Ben, the business has gone from strength to strength and Ben is proud to say that their 24th store in Bridge Street, Chester is the perfect choice for their first foothold in the North.

Following a £2m investment, the Steamer Trading store occupies a Grade II listed building on the city’s historic Rows which housed the West Bromwich Building Society and Dutch Houses gym.

“This particular site really suited us down to the ground,” said Ben.

“Not only is the building packed with history and character, but Chester itself is such an impressive city, full of life and vitality.

“I looked at around 30 cities and Chester was the one that stood out right from the start. As soon as I saw this site I knew it would be perfect and the views from the third floor are absolutely spectacular.”

The scale of the renovation can be seen at the rear of the store, where the building opens up to its full three-storey height – complete with an open ceiling space which is flooded with natural light.

But it isn’t just the building that holds a special significance for Ben, as he has the final say on which products sit on the shelves.

He also insists that customers can test out equipment such as coffee machines in-store.

“Our philosophy is that if you are going to spend a lot of money on a product, it is important you know how to use it,” he explained.

“We also train our staff so they can help our customers choose the product which is right for them.”