World famous designer Nick Munro has expanded his Chester business after opening a new store in one of London’s most prestigious shopping areas.

Nick, who designs innovative luxury homeware products including coffee pots, glassware and furniture for retail-giants including John Lewis, Bloomingdale’s and P&O Cruises, opened his first London shop in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, on November 5.

The renowned designer, who already has an outlet on Commonhall Street in Chester, said it was the support from local shoppers which gave him the confidence to move to London among some of the world’s top-end retailers.

“Our original Chester shop has enjoyed great support from local people and this has given us the confidence and experience to move into the new London operation,” he said.

“Harvey Nichols wanted to regenerate the fourth floor of the building with a selection of homeware so they called me to see if I was up for it.

Nick Munro has expanded his Chester business and opened a homeware store in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

“It’s all very energising, I’m feeling really confident about it.

“We’ve now become established as an independent brand in the top end marketplace and the results have already been very encouraging with sales and enquiries from Harvey Nichols’ international clientele from as far afield as China and the Middle East.

“On this last point we have also just completed the first delivery of my award winning teapots to the new Jumeirah hotel in Dubai.”

Nick, who lives in Hoole with his wife, Ali, and their two sons, said it is a ‘nice combination’ living and working in both Chester and London during the week.

“I’m really enjoying it, I’m having a lot of fun in London but I’m not sure I would live full time in London," he added.

Chester's Nick Munro opened his first London store in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge on November 5

“Chester is a really good place to live and work, I really enjoy everything Hoole has to offer. But London is much more dynamic.

“It is a gateway to the rest of the world, it’s a very effective marketing platform.

“Harvey Nichols has stores across the world so there is definitely an opportunity to work with them across the globe.

“The Chester shop is a really sweet little store and we get people from all over the world seeking us out.

“We get people coming back all the time which is quite amazing from a little back street in Chester.

Nick Munro's original 'Queen's Tea Ball' teapot which was designed for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee is currently on display in Buckingham Palace

“Chester is very good now and it’s got better at getting people to explore to find more unique shops.

“I’m not knocking the bigger stores, but they’re not an entertaining reason to visit Chester.”

A special Christmas event will be held at the Chester store on Saturday to coincide with the opening of the new London store.

A miniature version of Nick's 'Queen's Tea Ball' teapot, which was designed for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, will be featured at the event.

The items are also on sale in the London store.