It is always hard to find food places if you are visiting a city for the first time. Discovering great dining destinations is one of the traveler’s great pleasures. If you are in Chester and looking for good dine-out places then we have got you covered. In this article, you will find all the information you need to have the ultimate dining experience.
Where to Dine Out
Housed in a Palladian-style villa overlooking the scenic Chester racecourse one finds a great Northen gastropub in the form of The Architect. This is a pub that welcomes its patrons with a cozy and snug interior and a roaring fire that harkens back to simpler times. Overstuffed armchairs are the perfect place to enjoy classic literature and the framed cricket scores from the era of such greats as WG Grace add to the ambiance.
The food is best described as hearty and comforting. The trio of pork and steak and kidney suet pudding is perfect for indulgence on those winter days. But those in the know will implore you not to ignore the veggie platter with its Chesire Blue fritters, tandoori marinated halloumi, and the wonderful red pepper pannacotta. It should simply not be missed.
Horse racing started in Chester in the year 1539 – and for those with an equine-sized appetite, Restaurant1539 is the place to be. It features a gallery-style eating area with expansive windows overlooking the finishing post at the racecourse. Those searching for something special should be sure to check the restaurant website to get an insight into the race day specials and other Chester hotel deals.
But be aware the demand for a table on these excitement-filled days can be brisk. However, any day of the week is perfect for enjoying a room that can only be described as ‘raffish’ – and the a la carte menu will not disappoint. It is packed with British classics including the evergreen butter poached Turbot to the lamb which is sourced from Conwy Valley. Forget the diet and settle in for a lunch that typically comes to an end round about the time that others are heading home from the office.
A touch of Spanish magic is provided by Brothers Joe and Benjamin Wright at ‘Joseph Benjamin which opened its doors only 12 months ago. However n that time it has become a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. The decor is deceptively simple, with exposed red brick and vinyl booths – but the menu is a delight. It features Iberian-inspired lightness combined with a typically English solidity – and the result is a delight to the senses. Start with the Guinea Fowl/pheasant terrine and follow up with the pork with mustard mash – both are favorites with the young arty professionals who frequent this wonderful dining spot. For those in the mood for something lighter, the two brothers have launched a tapas bar named Porta just next door.
For those in the mood for something French inspired the shabby-chic attractions of Chez Jules will prove irresistible. The menu is that perfect blend of an unpretentious approach to French cuisine made possible by the use of the freshest of ingredients. Tuck into a salad of Goat’s Cheese with fennel and Beetroot, and then don’t miss the chicken chasseur which is served with button mushrooms with the inspired addition of tarragon. The prix-fixe lunch offering is exceptional value at £12 for two courses. The venue overlooks Northgate Street – and the opportunities for people-watching abound.
Drinking in Chester
The Albion Inn is that rare pub that will reward a visit no matter the season. It is snug up against the Roman Amphitheatre in a quiet side street – and it retains that old-school ambiance that seems timeless. It looks as if it has not changed since Asquith took up his post as Prime Minister. The heavy flock wallpaper, classic advertisements for products such as Hovis and the once popular Woodbines cigarettes, as well as the fast-moving banter of the locals combine with a classic menu to provide a wonderful experience. Tey some English staples such as the gammon and pease pudding, or the classic lamb’s liver with bacon and onions. This is a no-frills, earthy venue where WiFi and the dreaded wasabi nuts are nowhere to be found – as it should be.
Lombard House boasts an exceptional cup of coffee in a venue encased in sandstone walls. It is here one finds a collection of Formica tables and a glass-fronted cake and pastry display that harkens back to a bygone era. The decor looks as if it was only recently sourced from Grace Brothers. Adding to the allure are the incredibly friendly staff and some of the most substantial bacon toasties you will find anywhere in the British Isles. There are also some exceptional pies courtesy of the well-known Pie Minister company. Take your pick of the delights that line the shelves such as olives, bags of exceptionally delicious popcorn from the company Tea Pigs or select those perfect tapenades.
Get close to the water at Telford’s Warehouse. This echoing ex-loading bay for dock traffic has been transformed into a popular venue to enjoy some great live music, and ever since the 80s has been attracting crowds of locals and those from out of town. The music is complimented by an exceptionally diverse drink menu – and the ambiance is complimented with some Heath Robinson appearing 19th-century machinery. The sawdust-covered floors only add to the atmosphere. Local brews are available on tap (don’t miss the magnificent Weetwood Cheshire Cat and the Thwaites Original), as well as a wide variety of Weiss, lambic and Trappist ales from Germany and Belgium.
