Zoe Ellis lives with her husband in Chester and is owner of the award-winning bar and restaurant Palm Cocktail Bar and Eatery in the city. She is also the creator of Curve festival, Europe’s leading plus-size fashion festival – a staple in the calendar for many retailers such as Boohoo, Marks & Spencer, River Island and New Look
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What’s your full (real) name (including any embarrassing middle names!)? Zoe Tracey Ellis, nothing embarrassing. My middle name is after my mum.
What do you do? I own Palm Cocktail Bar & Eatery in Chester – we’re known for our “Instagram-able” features. And I also run Curve, a major retail event. Who shares your life? My husband and two chow chows, Shelby and Bear. My brother Leo is at my house all the time, and my five-year-old nephew is around a lot. My parents are often there too, doing little jobs, because I’ve just moved in.
The highlight of the last 12 months? Working in the hospitality industry, when we re-opened it was such a joy to see all our customers back enjoying themselves. And the worst bit? Not being able to run Curve. We kept postponing, which at least gave us some hope. But having to cancel altogether was a low point.
What is your favourite drink? I’d say Palm 19, Palm’s signature cocktail.
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you have the best chance of winning? Bake-Off is out, I can’t bake for toffee. And I have two left feet, so I’d have no chance on Strictly. I’m a go-getter and always up for a challenge so definitely I’m a Celeb.
What is your guilty pleasure? I love watching YouTube travel vloggers – where they’re going, their airport routine, what outfits they’re taking with them. When did you last laugh uncontrollably and why? We went to York Christmas market and my dad put on a leather cowboy hat. We thought it was a joke but then he said “Sold! No need for a bag…” and moseyed off, tipping his hat to everyone he passed.
If you could come back as any animal, what would you be and why? A bird in any Disneyland resort. The food is unreal and it’s everywhere!
You’re hosting a celebrity dinner party for four guests – who’s on the list? Kevin Hart and The Rock – they are so funny together and can keep everyone entertained. Walt Disney – I have so many questions for him. And Princess Diana, so we can talk fashion.
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Your desert island single and what it means to you? Out walking I always listen to Boyz II Men. I love a good power ballad and they remind me of growing up. If you could have one superpower what would it be? To freeze time, so I can go shopping, whizz around for what I need and not queue to pay.
What’s your favourite place in the world? New York – I got engaged there so it’s special. And Disneyland, for the attention to detail and great service. And Chester, of course!
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Who is your all-time hero? My family – and Walt Disney. My family are so supportive in everything I do. They have a definite ‘get back up again’ attitude. Walt Disney’s ethos for business and his passion for people is inspiring. He created a culture that valued and empowered employees, and it’s still relevant today.
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Fears or phobias? Not being in control.
What would be the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? I’d buy my younger brother a house so he can move out of my spare room. And buy my older brother a house so he stops threatening to move into my spare room!
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What would be your dream job (other than your own)? Prime minister or CEO of Disney World.
If you were representing your country in the Olympics which sport would you choose? Whatever needs the least amount of effort!
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And your proudest achievement? Coming through the last two years. When you start a business, you think of all the things that can happen, but you don’t expect a pandemic to bring the world to a standstill. Getting through it as a team makes me really proud.
23/12/2021 09:11
