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Chester restaurants, cafes and pubsIf you want a break from self-catering you will find that you have plenty of choice in Chester and the surrounding area. We are building up this reviews page to help you find the best places to eat. On this page:
ReviewsHere are our thoughts on some of the restaurants and pubs that we and our guests have tried. Most of them are in the city centre and within walking distance of Baker's Cottage. The Albion InnPark Street, tel: 01244 340345. A popular traditional English pub for grown-ups (children are not encouraged). The campaign for real ale (CAMRA) began here. "Lovely and unspoiled, with a World War I motif, great for history enthusiasts" wrote Bob Ferrera (September 2007). We haven't tried the food but it has won awards in the past so worth a try. The Albion was very busy on the Saturday night that we were there so we suggest arriving early (November 2004). Amber LoungeWatergate Row, tel: 01244 316477. Recommended for lunchtime light meals - "Great attentive service" wrote Louise Codling (February 2008). Aquavit restaurantWatergate Street, tel: 01244 313721. An unusual blend of swedish and french cooking. Unpretentious restaurant with great atmosphere and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We recommend it. (Their web site doesn't do it justice). (November 2004). Bella ItaliaEastgate Street, tel: 01244 325420. "Provided a reliable evening meal." Mr Fuller (September 2006). Blue Moon cafeThe Groves, tel: 01244 322481. We like brunch at the riverside Blue Moon cafe after a stroll across the Dee footbridge. It's a popular cafe with a wide range of food and a nostalgic 50s style. "The cafe was relaxing and did great cappucinos." Treena Beavers (March 2007). The Boathouse pubThe Groves, tel: 01244 328709. "Great views of the River Dee... it was nice sitting watching the boats on the river." Treena Beavers (March 2007). The Carlton TavernHartington Street, Handbridge, tel: 01244 676688. This is the local for our holiday cottage and a handy stop off for a quiet pint on our way into the city for a night out. It is a very traditional, unpretentious pub, usually fairly quiet and friendly. "First class local", Alan Dunn (May 2007). Cherry ValleyHandbridge, tel: 01244 678364. This is a chinese restaurant and take away. We have tried both eating in and take away. The food is classic Chinese - no surprises there, and with generous portions. We ordered more than we needed to for our take away (2 starters, 2 mains, mixed veg, rice and noodles at £31). The food is OK, but we thought the restaurant was uninspiring and lacked atmosphere. (October 2005). The Cheshire Cat pubWhitchurch Road, Christleton, tel: 01244 332200. Lovely traditional pub, great canal side location with a pleasant garden for warmer days. The main drawback is that it's outside the city centre so someone will have to drive. It is also very popular so try it mid week if you want to avoid the busiest times. (Autumn 2004). The Refectory RestaurantChester Cathedral, tel: 01244 324756. The cathedral provides an atmospheric venue for a simple lunch or afternoon tea and is right in the city centre. Open 9.30 to 4.30 Monday to Saturday. The Chester TandooriBrooke Street, tel: 01244 347410. "We had an enjoyable meal... I was presented with a red carnation when we left!". Karen Stephens (September 2006). The Cross Keys pubLower Bridge Street, tel: 01244 344460. Recommended by June and Brian Leyland "we loved the proper home cooked food, especially the sunday roast. Loads of choice. Really good value, nice and relaxed. Friendly staff. Good guest bitters" (March 2005). "The Cross Keys meals were lovely and friendly atmosphere in a non-smoking pub (perfect!)." Treena Beavers (March 2007). "...can endorse the Cross Keys for Sunday lunch." Mr Fuller (September 2006). Crumbs of HandbridgeQueen's Park View, tel: 01244 683401. Our local sandwich shop and bakery with a wide choice of sandwiches, wraps, paninis and pastries. Excellent for picking up a lazy picnic and if your order is over £15 you can phone it through and they'll deliver it to you for free (within 3 miles). Davies's fish and chip shopLower Bridge Street. "The best chips!" M Jones (January 2006). Dos Americas restaurantWatergate Row, tel: 01244 347207. Recommended by June and Brian Leyland: "Good fun, informal, great service. Lovely hustly bustly atmosphere, recommend the big jugs of marguerites. Would make a great place for a birthday bash. We enjoyed the chicken fajitas and crayfish burritos" (March 2005). DuttonsGodstall Lane, tel: 01244 401869. "A lively bustling place for a good lunch time meal." Mr Fuller (September 2006). The Grosvenor ArmsOn the B5130 Chester Road, Aldford, tel: 01244 620228 This beautiful pub is worth the short drive out from Chester. It's in the charming village of Aldford and there is a pleasant, if slightly muddy, walk along by the river Dee to help you work up an appetite for their excellent lunch menu. You can take children during the day - make sure you make time to visit the 'Magic tree' just beyond the church yard while you are there - details in the Kiddiwalks in Cheshire book. (February 2008). The Pasty Place (Take away)Bridge Street, tel: 01244 318897. We had some tasty vegetarian pasties from here and the carnivores' options looked pretty good too. Handy for taking down to the river bank or to Grosvenor Park for a picnic. (October 2005). La TascaCuppin Street, tel: 01244 400887. A Spanish tapas bar and restaurant which feels like a one off but is actually part of a chain. The atmosphere was great on the Saturday night that we went - cosy lighting, a lively buzz, informal and friendly. The food was classic Spanish Tapas - you order a variety of small dishes and share them between you. (April 2005). Also recommended for lunches - we went on a wet weekday with 2 small children and they loved it. (October 2005). Moules a Go Go restaurantWatergate Row, tel: 01244 348818. A varied menu, strong on seafood. A stylish modern restaurant, maybe a little too brightly lit, but we enjoyed our meal and would recommend it. A two course evening meal for two including a bottle of wine came to just over £40 (February 2005). "Highly recommended", Martin King (February 2005). Off the Wall pubSt, John's Street, tel: 01244 348964. June and Brian Leyland wrote "olde worlde but lively pub, good for a young crowd" (March 2005). The Peal of BellsChurch Street, Holt, Wrexham, tel: 01829 270411. This charming country pub is about 8 miles from Chester. They serve food and welcome children. Note that at the time of writing they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. "Good beer and excellent food at a reasonable price", Peter & Margaret Gillam (March 2007). PiccolinoPepper Street, tel: 01244 312123. Italian restuarant - "very big and very busy. Great food, service and fantastic venue, lots of atmosphere" Louise Codling (February 2008). We agree - we had a great meal there, also in February 2008. Ruan OrchidLower Bridge Street, tel: 01244 400661. "Excellent and traditional Thai restaurant", Alan Dunn (May 2007). Sea BreezeBoughton. Beverley Dommett recommended this Chinese (July 2005). Wing Wah Chinese take awayHartington Street, Handbridge, tel: 01244 681245. Close to our holiday cottage but we didn't rate their fish and chips - maybe they are better at Chinese food? (June 2004). "Local and very good chinese food" Alan Dunn (May 2007). "It wasn't the best we have had!" Dave & Hannah Green (October 2006). "...great food, nothing posh, but great for a takeaway, excellent value for money" Megan Hyde (June 2005). More Chester restaurantsOf course these reviews are just our own opinions. You can read more formal restaurant ratings and listings on these web sites:
Use your Charisma!Many of the restaurants in Chester will give you discounts if you have a Charisma visitor card. These are definitely worth getting hold of. At the time of writing they cost £5.99 and you can pick one up in the Tourist Information Centre by the Town Hall. Find out who accepts them at www.chester-charisma.com. Hi-lifeSome restaurants in Chester also accept Hi-Life cards which allow members to enjoy 2 meals for the price of one. At the time of writing these include Aquavit, Francs, Pastarazzi, Brasserie 10/16 and Moules a Go-go. Hi-life membership costs around £60 a year and most of the participating restaurants are in North West England. If you think you might benefit then visit their web site at www.hi-life.co.uk or call them on 0800 458 4634.
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The Cross Keys pub in Lower Bridge Street. |
