Wine Monkey to open new deli and bistro in Wiltshire

Bryan Houde opened The Cellar by Wine Monkey at Borough Parade in Chippenham in April 2023 and the venue has since enjoyed a successful first 18 months in business.

Now Mr Houde is opening The Kitchen by Wine Monkey in the previously empty unit next door to the bar.

He will launch the venue with his business partner and head chef Lisa Gale.

The deli and bistro will focus on providing breakfast and lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends and will initially act as an “all purpose” venue in the evenings.

This would include hosting a supper club, wine tastings, and other events to “test the waters”, rather than being a “full service” restaurant.

Mr Houde told this paper that the expansion had been made possible by the support of his “loyal” customers over the last 18 months.

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Signs for The Kitchen by Wine Monkey (Image: Newsquest) He said: “It’s been a really good success, everyone seems to love The Cellar because we’ve had great feedback and have created a loyal base of customers who keep coming back.

“Now it’s about raising awareness and getting more people into the town centre to come and visit us.

“The town has been so good to us and that really fuels the fire to expand and bring something new to Chippenham and draw more people in.”

Work is currently ongoing at the unit next to The Cellar to prepare it for opening.

While an exact date has not yet been set, it is hoped the venue will open its doors in late November or early December.

Mr Houde has submitted a premises licence application that will allow him to sell alcohol at the new site.

The Cellar by Wine Monkey (Image: Newsquest) The application suggests the business will sell hot and cold food for eat-in or takeaway alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

This has been supported by Chippenham Town Councillors who were keen to see a town centre business expand and fill an empty unit.

Cllr Adam Ward: “I just wanted to welcome another local business expanding.

“There is an imperative to support businesses being able to diversify their offerings and get the revenue they need to support a flourishing town centre.”

Cllr David Poole added: “The applicant has operated a really good establishment in the last 18 months, well run, well used.

“It’s nice to see an actual expansion of this business to provide extra facilities for the nightlife of Chippenham and I think we should fully support it.”