A DELICATESSEN which converts into a bar at night – along with a restaurant – is a novel concept just launched in a Cheshire village.

The Gunnery, named after former owners George Gunnery & Co, is in High Street, Tarvin, next to The George and Dragon pub.

Sally and Davin Harris, from Handbridge in Chester, have refurbished the Georgian building which had been empty for about two years.

Describing the child-friendly venue as “the first of its kind in the area”, Sally said the premises were unusual because it was a restaurant, bar and delicatessen.

The deli, which features an in-house butchers, sells award- winning gourmet food as well as wines, with tasting nights to come.

The Gunnery prides itself on selling fresh, seasonal, local produce using free range beef, chicken, pork and eggs.

Luxury food and wine hampers are available and there is a full outside catering menu. The deli will even use the customers’ own dishes if they want to pretend they made the food themselves!

All packaging is bio-degradeable, recyclable or can be reused.

There is an upstairs restaurant and a downstairs bar which is open during the day, with internet facilities. At the night the bar really comes to life when it extends into the deli which is transformed when the fridges become clad in mahogany and the shop counter becomes a bar top.

Sally, who is in charge of design and marketing, said: “We were full last night and the feed-back is that the food is fantastic. People are saying they have never tasted food like it. Davin and the head chef spent a lot of time creating the menu which has British classics along with more exotic dishes. There is also a brunch menu which is available all day.”

The interior of the Georgian building is listed because it represents an important piece of history having been designed by national shop-fitters Parnall & Sons Ltd in 1886.

And the original lay-out has been retained with rooms including the old bakery, the library room and the bar.

Sally added: “You can spend a fortune trying to create an atmosphere but it is already enshrined in this building.”

Davin is very much involved with day-to-day operations and will remain so until he becomes embroiled with the couple’s ambitious plan to convert The Ship in Handbridge into a gastro pub. To book a table call: 01829 749333.