THE England Rugby captain was in town and Wintonians can expect to see more him in the future.

Chris Robshaw took time out after preseason training to head for Winchester, where he is opening a coffee and wine bar with best friend and former Hampshire cricketer, Kevin Latouf.

The pair, both 27, were first in Winnall for a coffee tasting session, before stopping off at 28 Jewry Street to check on the progress of their bar, Black White Red.

Mr Robshaw said: “It’s a new venture for me and we thought we would give it a go. I’m down at Josie’s (Kevin’s bar in Bishop’s Waltham) from time-to-time to see him and his family. It’s doing something besides the rugby and having interests outside of the game.”

Their spot, opposite the Discovery Centre, has stood empty for three years, but Mr Latouf says the time is right for them to give the area a lift.

“We’re close to the main drag but we intend to be a destination venue. Previously, I think it might have been empty due to the rental price. But we feel like we’ve got a good deal now.”

Mr Latouf, who lives in Chandler’s Ford, said the venue will employ 15 people — having hired six so far — all from the Winchester district.

The application for a licence went to Winchester City Council three weeks ago and, if approved, Black White Red will begin trading at the end of August, with an official launch in early September.

In recent years Winchester’s reputation as a culinary hotspot has gathered pace, with celebrity chefs, Jamie Oliver, Raymond Blanc, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall all doing business in the city.