First look at BEAR coffee house and bar after outdoor seating plans submitted

Independently-owned BEAR will open its sixth site overlooking the River Weaver in 2020, neighbouring Barons Quay Social.

Branding itself as #notanothercoffeeshop, BEAR offers food, cocktails and craft beer alongside its signature speciality coffee, served from morning until evening.

And if plans for ‘al fresco’ dining are anything to go by, the coffee house looks to be a welcome addition to Barons Quay.

Planning documents submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council state: “The intention is to install a pergola structure, planters and fixed seating to the external demise area.

“These will be sympathetic in material and colour to the Barons Quay development and the immediate surroundings.

“The fixed seating will allow for views towards the River Weaver and signage is to be installed as per the current Bear Coffee Company brand.”

The proposed outdoor seating area

Documents also state that the outdoor plans will allow customers to enjoy an ‘al fresco’ dining experience.

“The seating areas immediately outside the unit along the shop-front will consist of removable furniture, branded jumbrellas and planter pots,” the plans add.

Speaking about the upcoming move to Northwich, BEAR co-founder Craig Bunting said: “2019 has been a huge and exciting year for BEAR.

“We opened our first BEAR in 2016, with the aim of serving great coffee in a warm and welcoming environment, but what really sets us apart is our love for coffee products and connecting with the community around us.

The site in its current state

"Since we first came to view the site at Barons Quay, we’ve not been able to help ourselves falling more and more in love with the beautiful location, the area surrounding it, and the people we’ve met on our visits – it’s just making us even more excited to wholly immerse ourselves within the community here.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for regeneration and growth, Cllr Richard Beacham, added: “BEAR is rapidly building a strong reputation as a dependable, responsible brand, sourcing local and Fairtrade produce wherever possible, and promoting a positive, healthy lifestyle through its menus.

"This is welcome news at a time when the council is focusing on bringing independents to Northwich, encouraging people to shop local and reducing our carbon footprint.”