Top chef reopens store after £1m revamp

3:46pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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CELEBRITY chef Ed Baines caused a stir at the Co-op in Richmond, when he officially unveiled the store's £1m new look.

The store, which has employed an extra 20 members of staff as part of the revamp, has been transformed over a period of several months, and now features a Fairtrade espresso coffee bar.

Classically trained Ed Baines, whose flagship restaurant is the champagne and oyster bar Randall and Aubin in London, presents UKTV's Great Food Live and is a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen and Ready Steady Cook.

He cut the ribbon at the store with the help of youngsters from Richmond C of E Primary School.

"The co-operative is my local shop where I live in Swanage, so I am a regular customer," he said.

"As soon as I walked in I noticed how light and airy it felt, and everything is very well laid out."

Richmond mayor, Judith Steggles, added: "I think the place looks great, and the product range is fantastic."

The store features the retailer's new identity, The co-operative, which aims to highlight improved service standards as well as a commitment to supporting local communities and ethical trading policies.

As well as the espresso bar, new features include eco-friendly refrigeration, modern decor and improved product range with emphasis on fresh and premium goods.

The Co-operative has also extended the free parking time in the store's car park from two to three hours.

Store manager Peter Whitfield said: "The co-operative is committed to providing its customers with a wide range of quality foods, so who better to launch our store than this experienced and well respected chef.

"We would also like to welcome customers, old and new, to come along and see the great changes to their co-operative store."