Shrub owner gets go-ahead to turn former Chester gaming cafe into new bar

Plans to turn a former Chester city centre gaming café into a new bar have been given the go-ahead. The proposal for the old Geek Retreat premises on Watergate Street has been rubber-stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council. 

Businessman Calum Adams, who opened popular vegan restaurant Shrub on the nearby Eastgate Row in 2020, is behind the plans. Geek Retreat, part of a national chain, closed its doors in late January this year having launched in April 2022.

Prior to this the vacant unit was used as a betting office for many years and was occupied by both Coral and Betfred during that time. The new venue will operate as a bar with food provision.

Last month we reported that a premises licence application had been lodged for the new venue. In the application, it states that the establishment - 'trading name TBC' - will be a "higher end drinking establishment also serving food".

For the full story, see Cheshire Live

Read our other news

Work begins on second Chester Lidl

Work begins on second Chester Lidl

Read More
Starbucks confirms reopening date for new-look shopping park branch

Starbucks confirms reopening date for new-look shopping park branch

Read More
Cheshire Business Awards nomination for Managing Estates

A Chester-based property management firm has been officially shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 Cheshire Business Awards, a regional honour that celebrates business excellence across the county.

Read More