08/05/2026
Seeing another independent local business close its doors is never easy 💔
We’re saddened to hear that Covino has had to close after 9 years. Behind every independent business are real people, real families, and years of hard work, passion and sacrifice.
Times are tough for so many small businesses right now, which is why supporting local has never mattered more. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, booking an appointment, popping in for a browse, leaving a review, or simply liking and sharing a post — it genuinely makes a difference.
If you’ve got a favourite local independent business, tag them below 👇 Let’s help give them a little extra visibility and remind them they’re valued by their community.
A simple like, comment or share can go a long way for businesses like ours and so many others trying to keep going ❤️
Big love to fellow independents including The Bear Bakery Little Yellow Pig Cheshire Coffee Company Ginger Monkey Number 31 Ewemove Chester West and all the other amazing local businesses helping make Chester special.
Wishing Christopher and everyone at Covino all the very best for whatever comes next.
This one really stings…
It is with a very heavy heart I announce the immediate closure of Covino, a business I’ve built from the ground up since 2016. We’d have celebrated our 10th anniversary this December, but it simply wasn’t to be.
For the avoidance of doubt, Covino’s ‘cause of death’ can be attributed to the last two Labour budgets. In trying to do the right thing they’ve gone after completely the wrong people, something I’ll never forget or forgive them for.
On a more positive note, I’ve made some exceptional relationships over the last decade with guests, staff and suppliers who I now consider great friends. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. Your custom really did go towards things like my children’s football boots, something big business can’t tell you, so keep supporting your local independents!
I’m going to spend some time licking my wounds, filing for bankruptcy, and most importantly, catching up on lost time with my family - who have come second to the restaurants far too often over the last 10 years.
I’ll see you all again soon once I’ve figured out what’s next. Best of luck to everyone who’s battling their way through these testing times.
Pie for now, Christopher