AN intimate wine bar is looking to expand on its success in Chalkwell by opening a sister site in Rayleigh High Street after the owners spotted a “gap in the market”. 

The Cork Dork, currently based in the Ridgeway, offers a huge range of 150 wines and expansive charcuterie boards as well as hosting a series of of event nights. 

Now, husband and wife duo Benedict and Danielle Hurley are hoping to build on their success by opening a second wine bar and are currently eyeing up three potential spots on Rayleigh High Street. 

One of those under consideration is the former H Witham and Son’s funeral directors. 

Family - Benedict and Danielle Hurley with their son Family - Benedict and Danielle Hurley with their son (Image: Benedict Hurley)

Benedict, 44, said: “Really since the day we opened in Chalkwell, we have felt the demands from customers for another site. 

“Customers from Rayleigh felt that what was being offered by us was missing and that is the more casual approach to drinking.

“I have been told that everything is sort of ‘instagrammable’, we offer a more casual experience, and we do monthly bottomless brunches and a monthly quiz night as well as cheese and wine and charcuterie boards, which are really separating us from everyone else.”

The business hopes that they will be able to open just before Christmas, though they feel it is more likely they will open early next year.

Charcuterie - One of the boards that sets the store apart Charcuterie - One of the boards that sets the store apart (Image: Benedict Hurley)

Danielle, 36, added: “The Cork Dork is like a home away from home, it feels small, it feels like a grandma’s living room with comfy furnishings.

“Due to our relaxed and unpretentious home away from home feel, people feel extremely welcome, and we feel able to venture into a new town, everyone is welcome.

Cork Dork - Diners outside the front of the bar Cork Dork - Diners outside the front of the bar (Image: Benedict Hurley)

“Come casual, come dressed up, anything goes and people really resonate with us, they can’t put their finger on it and they question why.”

Danielle added that the Cork Dork is “timeless”, and “not a fad, people no matter the age or background feel comfortable.”

Cork Dork also offers a selection of 22 wines on a house list, all the same price and always changing to encourage people to try a vast selection of good drink and learn more about wine.