Customers queue down street as Chester's newest coffee shop opens

The cafe and barista school proved a popular draw when it opened its doors in the city

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A queue of around 100 eager customers snaked its way down the street when a new coffee shop and barista school opened its doors in Chester.

200 Degrees Chester has opened up on Bridge Street in the city, and on the opening day there was a lengthy queue of people keen to be among the first to sample its wares. The independent coffee roaster is also home to a barista school where coffee fans can learn the art of perfecting their own brew.

The Chester shop is the firm's 19th in the UK since it first began trading in 2012. The first 50 people to walk through the door were given a Chester-themed tote bag with discount vouchers and gifts, with one lucky customer scooping the top prize of a coffee machine.

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Meanwhile, two other customers were rewarded for their early start with a free barista school experience and a free three-month coffee subscription.

Visitors were given the chance to explore 200 Degree's brand-new barista school situated within the shop and get some tips from experienced staff. A shop spokesperson said the set-up featured "state-of-the-art Victoria Arduino coffee machines which allowed them to make a coffee on a professional espresso machine, texturize the milk to the perfect level of froth and have a go at some latte art".

Coffee lovers also had a chance to try a smell kit, which trains the nose to pick up on different notes, like chocolate, hazelnut, apple and honey.

Commenting on the warm welcome received in Chester, head of coffee for 200 Degrees, Graham Hepburn said: "Chester's a beautiful city and the shop is in a fantastic location. I was really struck by the customers who came to talk to me and check out our barista school on the day – there's a real enthusiasm for coffee and more than anything, a desire to learn.

"We can't wait to help the people of Chester drink better coffee."

The Chester barista school also doubles as a high-spec meeting room available for anyone to book and is described as perfect for team building events, company catch-ups or brainstorming sessions away from the office.

The company boasts that customers will never wind up with a rocky table in any of their venues, thanks to a special pneumatic system in place.

200 Degrees Chester is open 8am-6.30pm from Monday to Friday, 8am-6.30pm on Saturday and 9am-6pm on Sunday.

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