Meet the first traders at town’s new Chester-style market ahead of summer opening
Located within Barons Quay, the new market aims to offer a ‘significantly improved experience’ for customers and traders alike, according to operator, Cheshire West and Chester Cou
By Chester Standard
Fourteen traders have been confirmed for the new Northwich Market, with food, drink, fashion, gifts, produce, beauty and tech repairs among the first names announced.
The first traders have been confirmed for the new Northwich Market as preparations continue for its move to Barons Quay.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced 14 businesses that have been offered places at the new market, which is expected to open later this summer once trader fit-outs are completed.
The market will occupy a prominent corner location within Barons Quay and is intended to offer a more modern experience for shoppers and traders.
The new site will include a wider choice of stalls and facilities, with seating and outdoor dining also planned.
It will replace the existing market at Weaver Square, which is due to close when the new market opens.
The project is being backed by around £1.8m of council investment, described by the authority as the biggest investment in Northwich Market since the 1960s.
The first food and drink traders confirmed include Casa de Sal Bar, Bean & Cole, Habib’s Shawarma, Spuds 4 U, The Chicken Hatch, Loco 4 Tacos and Thai by Thai.
Casa de Sal Bar will operate as the market’s dedicated bar, offering Spanish-themed beers and wines alongside spirits and soft drinks.
Bean & Cole will bring a speciality coffee offer to the market, serving coffee, teas, pastries, cakes, smoothies, juices and other drinks. It will be the business’s third outlet, alongside two in Chester.
Habib’s Shawarma will serve Lebanese street food, including lamb and chicken shawarma, lamb kofte, halloumi, falafel and loaded boxes with rice or fries.
Spuds 4 U will offer loaded jacket potatoes with a range of toppings, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
The Chicken Hatch will serve buttermilk fried chicken burgers, strips and wings, with house-made sauces, pickles and slaws.
Loco 4 Tacos will provide Mexican-style tacos with a choice of meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
Thai by Thai, already known from Chester Market, will expand into Northwich with Thai and oriental street food including starters, stir fries, noodles, rice dishes and curries.
The first goods, services and produce stalls confirmed include The Style Hut, Beauty Wow, Candy Bay, E Phones Northwich, oneministore, Steve’s Cheeses and Pop Specs.
The Style Hut, an award-winning ladies’ fashion boutique, is moving from the existing Northwich Market at Weaver Square, where it has traded for more than seven years.
Beauty Wow will offer hair and beauty products for Afro and European hair types, including shampoos, conditioners, styling tools, wigs, hair extensions, skincare, makeup and beauty accessories.
Candy Bay will bring a traditional sweet stall to the market, with freeze-dried sweets, sugar-free options and vegan choices also planned.
E Phones Northwich will offer phone, tablet, gadget and tech repairs, alongside accessories.
oneministore will sell Japanese stationery, character-themed products and preserved and dried flower decorations.
Steve’s Cheeses will offer artisan cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, crackers, preserves, wines, craft beers and other products suited to cheeseboards, hampers and picnics.
Pop Specs will bring an eyewear concept to the market, offering prescription glasses with a focus on frame design, competitive pricing and quick turnaround.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said there had been strong interest in the new market.
He said the first traders represented a mix of existing businesses from the old market and new traders, with food, goods and services all included.
The council says the new market is part of its wider commitment to town-centre markets, which it sees as important social spaces that help bring footfall into high streets.
The move to Barons Quay is also intended to connect the market with existing shops, leisure venues and food and drink businesses in the area.
Barons Quay already includes retailers, restaurants, the Odeon cinema and nearby parking, giving the new market a more visible town-centre position.
The council is still seeking tenants for six remaining non-food stalls, with further trader announcements expected as leases are completed.
For Northwich, the move marks a major change for one of the town’s long-standing retail features.
The existing Weaver Square market will remain open until just before the new market opens.