DAVENHAM business owners are ‘pleased’ with the initial success of their Knutsford shop and are looking forward to inviting more customers through the doors.

Dexter & Jones, located on Princess Street in Stuart Rushton & Company’s former office, sells gins and beers from across the UK and around the world.

Owners Mike Parker who grew up in Fountain Lane and partner Debbie Dexter along with Hartford Road residents Karen Murray and Neil Murray have designed a concept store which offers a ‘unique’ experience selling more than 450 types of bottled beer and 60 bottled gins as well as having six gins available to sit in and drink and six draft beers.

The retail bar is named after both female owners, using Karen’s maiden name Jones.

“It’s been really good since opening at the beginning of April,” said Mike. “We are all really pleased with how it’s gone in the first few weeks and the feedback we have been getting is really positive.

“It’s a new found concept, part shop and part bar. I think people aren’t quite sure what to expect when they come in – they come up to the counter and realise you can have a drink here as well.

“We have been looking at the sociable aspect of it. We have a long table that runs up the middle of the shop where people can sit together. It has been creating an environment where people are comfortable to sit and chat to the person next to them. A few have made friends already.”

Dexter & Jones is split into sections which promote local beers such as those from Tatton Brewery and Mobberley brewers, followed by a section for Manchester, the United Kingdom, and beers from further afield such as Japan, Italy and Iceland.

There is also a section for the ever-growing American beer industry and a section showcasing a range of German and Belgian beers.

“It’s nice because we have had the guys from Tatton Brewery and some from Mobberley in a few times. It’s good for them to taste the other beers as well.

“We serve the beers in 1/3 pints, 1/2 pints, 2/3 pints and full pints so people can taste and sample different ones. We also have a machine that fills a three and a third pint glass called a ‘Growler’ which when sealed stays fresh for up to six weeks.

“It’s good to take to barbecues.”

Dexter & Jones have also started hosting ‘meet the brewer’ evenings, which are taking place monthly.

On Tuesday May 10, guests are invited to meet Mark from Manchester’s ‘The Runaway Brewery’. For £20 the ticket includes six 1/3 pints from the Runaway selection as well as a meat and cheese board from the Deli Boys.

Tickets can be bought at Dexter & Jones or via the website at dexterandjones.co.uk/collections/tastings