Chester and Cheshire Restaurant Association launched

The Chester and Cheshire Restaurant Association has been launched to give local hospitality businesses a voice, and bolster the region's reputation as a culinary destination.

Stephen Wunkdle, owner of Business Excellence Award winning Pastarazzi Ristorante in Chester, is chairman of the newly formed organisation.

Wunkdle said: "Restaurants, pubs and food outlets in Cheshire account for thousands of jobs and until now have had no collective voice. That's just not acceptable."

Those joining the 30-strong association will also gain membership to VisitChester.com.

The association hopes to promote greater use of local produce; to encourage new restaurant developments in rural areas; and build the reputation of Cheshire's food and drink offer outside the region.

Funding for the scheme is being drawn from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

The consumer site is up and running, while a members' only section is currently under construction.

Cheshire currently has one Michelin-starred restaurant Arkle Restaurant at the Chester Grosvenor hotel.

By Chris Druce

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