An online store that exclusively sells English wines is set to open its first bar - with bosses vowing to “bring the vineyard to the high street”.

Corkk is planning to welcome its first customers through its doors at the former Trailfinders premises in Burgate, Canterbury, next month, having already lodged an application for an alcohol premises licence with the city council.

Owners say if given the green light, the business will be the first bar of its kind dedicated to English wines in the country.

Founder Jonathan Piggins said: “English wines have come a very long way in the last 20 years and are now superb.

“We have that very special produce right on our doorstep in Kent and that’s what we want to celebrate and help people experience.”

Mr Piggins, who describes himself as an “enthusiastic amateur”, has teamed up with expert Clive Barlow, a master of wine and founder of the Canterbury Wine Festival.

Their aim is to celebrate English wines, especially those from Kent where there are now about 50 vineyards, many with award-winning produce.

The new business will be a shop and bar, but it will also host tasting sessions with regular visits from vineyard owners.

Mr Piggins believes Burgate is the best location in the city for the venture.

Work is now underway on refurbishing and fitting out the premises, with an expected launch date in mid-November.

“We will operate on the ground and first floor, which will make a lovely room for wine tastings as it overlooks the Cathedral at the back,” he added.

His online business was launched two-and-a-half years ago, but plans to open his first wine bar were stalled by the pandemic.

Corkk does, though, have a small retail outlet in Fenwick.

“Our aim is to bring the vineyard to the high street,” Mr Piggins continued.

“It will be where people can experience the wonderful variety of English wines under one roof in the city.”

The pair running the store want it be to open until 11pm Mondays to Saturdays.

On Sundays, meanwhile, they hope to keep the business open between 11am and 4pm.

They have also lodged an application for a pavement licence with the local authority.

This would allow them to place tables and chairs outside the premises.