Corkage, the Bath independent wine bar, has opened a second, larger venue in the city, following the success of its Walcot Street outlet. 
Owners Marty Grant and Richard Knighting, pictured, have taken over the former home of the legendary Beaujolais restaurant on Chapel Row, converting it into what they describe as a “fine wine shop, wine bar and small plate venue”.
The original Corkage opened in December 2015 and fast became a firm favourite with foodies in Bath and further afield and earned rave reviews from restaurant critics.
Key to its success has been a highly informal atmosphere with guests encouraged to graze small plates of food while enjoying expertly matched wines. There is no wine list, despite its extension range – Marty helps diners chose what to drink using his encyclopaedic brain.
He said: “Our ethos is simple – make great wine and food accessible at the best price we can in a convivial atmosphere. This has proved so popular that most days we were turning people away because we couldn’t
accommodate them.
“We soon realised it was time to develop the Corkage brand and when the site on Chapel Row became available we knew it was too good an opportunity to miss.”
The new venue – which was most recently the Madrid Spanish restaurant – has 48 covers with seating for a further 30 al fresco.
Guests are greeted by a parquet-topped bar area flanked by hundreds of wine bottles and a cosy fireside seating area in the window while chunky oak banquette seating runs the length of the restaurant.
Richard Knighting added: “We’re delighted to be opening this new site on Chapel Row. We’ll be offering the same excellent wine and food we’re well known for but the additional space means we can cater for more guests and create dishes with a bit more theatre, so regulars can look forward to a few surprises on the menu.” 
Food will range from lighter fish and shellfish plates to meat dishes with big flavours and spiced vegetarian dishes. The menu aims to challenge wine choices and encourage an interest in pairing wine and food.
Dishes are seasonal and often change daily according to what is best on the day from local, trusted suppliers.
Marty and Richard have recruited Mâté Andrasko as the Chapel Row bar’s head chef at to work alongside Richard. He was previously sous chef at Beaujolais and has also been head chef at The Fox in Broughton Gifford, and at The Circus.
