A NEW French crêperie is opening in the heart of Chester city centre this week.

La Cabane on Music Hall Passage will serve takeaway galettes, crêpes and baguette sandwiches prepared daily by owner and manager François Pinel.

In preparation for his new venture, the 34-year-old Normandy native travelled to his cousin’s bakery in northern France to hone his baguette baking skills using the traditional French method.

But it is the galette that will leave people licking their lips, says the qualified chef.

François said: “I’ve lived in Chester for five years and worked in some of its best bars and restaurants, but it’s always been my dream to open a crêperie.

“Crêpes and galettes originate from the Brittany area of France, an area close to my heart, so this is a love letter to the crêpe that has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries.”

Visitors to La Cabane can look forward to sweet crêpes filled with Nutella, salted caramel and the classic lemon and sugar, while savoury galettes packed with cheese, potatoes, bacon lardons and crème fraiche and an assortment of sides like truffle fries and salt cod bites will leave customers wanting more.

Vegan and gluten free options will also be available.

If La Cabane is the entrée, then François’ other venture – a restaurant aptly named Chez François – will be the plat principal.

The 30-cover bistro directly opposite La Cabane, occupying the former Chef’s Table, will open later this year once François has recruited his team of staff.

François, who has previously worked at Chester’s Joseph Benjamin, Covino and more recently Vin Santo, said: “I want people to walk through the door and feel like they’re in France.

“Think Parisian jazz café with modern French cuisine using the freshest, seasonal produce – that’s Chez François.

“This is my passion, and I hope people will embrace and support this in the same way they do the fantastic collective of other independent businesses that make Chester what it is.”

François is recruiting a head chef, sous chef and assistant manager, as well as front of house staff.

To apply, email a CV and cover letter to hello@chezfrancois.co.uk

La Cabane opens on Thursday, May 9.

Follow @la_cabane_chester and @chez_francois_chester on Instagram for more information.