A WINCHESTER deli has moved into a new space, around three times the size, with a broader range of produce and the option for customers to dine in.
Basil Leaf Deli re-opened, just up the road from its original base in St George’s Street, on Saturday, August 12, taking over the former MegaBet unit.
Around £300,000 was spent on the refurbishment with an additional £50,000 being used on new equipment for the deli to expand its bakery, charcuterie, cheese, fruit and vegetables and wine and spirits selection.
After two and a half years in Winchester, the family business now has the space to serve food, with mains, sharing platters and drinks available from midday.
Director Klaudia Cynarsk said: “I’m very happy. To open was amazing, we had plenty of people and they were all very pleased with the fish because we didn’t have fish before.
“All the regulars came for opening day. Me and my sister were both crying. I’m exhausted but it was brilliant and everyone was so happy.
“We’ve started serving food and people were expecting it to be pricey but we’ve made our produce much more affordable. The recession is really hard and I don’t want to be difficult.
“I’m loving the deli side, we’ve got so many cheeses and wines that have been specially picked to complement them.
“I had a mixture of feelings ahead of the move. I was very excited and happy but also stressed as hell. I will relax when we have everything in place.
“When we were first looking for premises this unit was empty, it’s been left for more than 10 years. The state of it was much worse than what we were expecting when we got the keys. We had to do everything.”
The old unit is currently being used as a storage unit while the team decides what they want to do with the space.
Ms Cynarsk, who lives in Hedge End, hopes to develop the menu and bring more European food to Winchester.
With four members of staff running the business, the director is keen to hire three or four more employees including another chef, waitress and kitchen porter.
New menu options include burgers, chicken wings, BBQ ribs, vegan pies, sourdough, soup, meats and cheeses.
Basil Leaf Deli is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays at 14-16 St George’s Street.
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