A Devizes tapas bar has enjoyed success during its first few months in business despite the challenge of soaring energy costs.
Esta Aqui Tapas Bar in the Market Place is a family run restaurant that has been open since September 1.
Devizes born owner Chris Lug was inspired to bring Spanish dining to Wiltshire by his father Colin’s passion for the country and has been pleased with the local response.
He said: “From a business point of view it has gone very well. We’ve had lots of positive reviews, we are busy, and you couldn’t have hoped for a better start.
“Personally, being back in town and having a restaurant is what we’ve always wanted and it’s nice to be working with the family again.”
One issue that has affected all independent businesses in the area is rising energy bills and, despite their success, Esta Aqui is no different.
They recently took the decision to reduce their opening hours over the winter months.
Mr Lug admitted: “Working with energy companies is difficult. People don’t understand that when you come in and heat the place when it’s quiet it costs money.
“We were open all day but now we’re closed during the afternoons for the winter and come summer we’ll open up again. That’s because of the cost of running the energy all day and because customers don’t want to come out in the afternoon like they would in the summer.
“It would be silly to say the cost of living hasn’t affected us because people just don’t have the same disposable income they normally would.”
Despite opening in difficult times, Mr Lug believes the fact Esta Aqui offers something different to the big chains gives them an edge.
He added: “In Devizes the businesses that have done well are the ones that have charisma and passion.
“We wanted to come up with something different which isn’t high end. Something that people hadn’t seen but can relate to.
“Tapas is traditionally quick and easy food that is very affordable. It’s not a three course meal and you don’t have to get in at 8pm, it’s relaxed and there’s no pressure.”
Going into 2023 he hopes people will show their support for local and independent businesses.
“I hope people understand the effort small businesses put in and that if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”, he warned.
“You can go and eat in chain restaurants but it’s the little guys that need you more and look after you more.”
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