A CHESTER restaurant has risen from the ashes and launched an outdoor bar.

Convivio in Grosvenor Street unveiled the new feature after a £40,000 investment by owners Thanasis Spinoulas and Giouanni Caggianelle.

Thanasis, who took over the restaurant in 2008, said: “The outside area was really under-used.

“We had a few tables out here but we decided to make the most of it and turn it into something really special.”

The installation of the piazza – which comes just 18 months after a fire gutted the upper floors of the historic building – has meant that the restaurant has been able to take on 10 extra staff.

This means that the piazza can offer al fresco dining and drinking as well as full waiter service, all while enjoying a sunny, south-facing position.

Thanasis added: “Having been in the hotel industry for years with my family, I think hospitality is really important, as well as good food and good service.”

As well as the piazza, Convivio offers fresh Mediterranean food in its restaurant and a contemporary upstairs area which can be hired for private parties and business meetings.