WE are only slowly starting to emerge from the pandemic. 

But there have been many signs of recovery in Warrington's hospitality sector with plenty of new developments.

Here are six restaurants, cafes and bars that opened in the area in June.

CASA COFFEE

Warrington Guardian:

A coffee shop and brunch spot in Honiton Way, Penketh, launched by couple Callum Rodgers and Maddy Radley.

They have completely changed jobs for the venture - Callum was a carpenter and Maddy worked for United Utilities - and their passion and vision has already won over the community.

Expect coffee micro roastery Amber in Liverpool and food from Warrington suppliers.

Maddy said: "We’ve teamed up with Snoutwood Trotters for our meat and eggs, Warrington Fruit and Veg for our veg supply and also Mamar’s bakery for our bread."

More here.

HANI'Z

Zahid Iqbal's world buffet restaurant has had many setbacks due to the pandemic but Hani'z is finally open in Bridge Street.

It will be 'banquet' style all-you-can-eat table service with a stripped back menu while restrictions remain but there will then be around 80 dishes from around the world.

With room for 180, the current menu features Pakistani and Chinese dishes as well as a burger menu for kids and a range of desserts.

For the full story click here.

SANTA LUCIA 

Nathan Fannon is so passionate about Neapolitan-style pizza that nothing but the best will do. 

So all of his ingredients are imported from Italy including San Marzano tomatoes grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, fior di latte cheese from the milk of Agerolese cows and dough made from Italian ‘00’ flour.

Based at the Kings Head in Winwick Street, Nathan is convinced you will be able to taste the difference - to the extent he already has plans to turn Santa Lucia into a chain.

You can read Nathan's story here.

THE GRAND

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington's newest nightspot has opened its doors with the aim of reshaping perceptions of going out in Bridge Street.

The Grand has completely transformed the former Big Bar after an investment of about £250,000.

The art deco style upmarket bar has a fully waited on service and is described as a 'restaurant without food'.

One of the key features is two large beer tanks filled with Pilsner Urquell delivered direct from the brewery in Plzeň in the Czech Republic – with the pipework running along the ceiling.

You have to see it to believe it so there are plenty more pictures here.

CARLTON

After a few delays in getting up and running, the eatery has launched in Sankey Street next door but one to where the original Carlton Club was for around four decades.

In its heyday in the 1970s, Carlton was one of the country’s top northern soul clubs where Rick Astley is said to have sang Never Gonna Give You Up live for the first time.

Carlton Bistro is very different but owner Claudio Stuparu, who also runs Sweet Alley in Marsh House Lane, wants it to be a place where people can share memories.

The food looks great too.

STARBUCKS GEMINI

Not new as such but the coffee shop at Apollo Park opened on Friday after undergoing a complete overhaul.

It now has a drive-thru lane while inside there is additional seating and a large meeting table for out of office meetings or community groups.

AND FOR ICE CREAM LOVERS

Warrington Guardian:

Well loved coffee shop Brew - run by run by TV personality Kate McIntyre - is not new to Stockton Heath.

But what is new to the London Road indie is its ice cream bar.

Kate has teamed up with Daresbury Dairy and even has an exclusive flavour - Caravan Coffee ice cream.

All the details on how it came about are here.