Here at Chester Business Club it’s well documented that we love our city, whether it’s our own social media channels or those of Chester Business Club members, it’s clear for all to see that we all love Chester.
From our world-renowned city walls that are over 2,000 years old to the 21st century societal melting pot that is Storyhouse, history and modern culture practically drips from every red brick that this great city of ours was built on.
However, one of the shining lights in Chester’s bustling scene is the hospitality sector.
When COVID-19 struck in March and the city, along with the rest of the UK, plunged into lockdown, it was the hospitality sector that arguably felt the largest impact.
As lockdown rules ease and life begins to slowly return to a sense of normality, Chester and Cheshire’s hospitality sector will have a key role to play in spearheading the city and the wider area’s post-lockdown comeback and many Chester Business Club members will be at the forefront.
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay, a bite to eat or a socially distanced drink with friends, here are some of our favourite businesses from Chester and Cheshire’s resurgent hospitality sector.
Don’t forget there’s always something going in our amazing county and one of the best ways to keep up with all the exciting events and offers is by checking out We Love Good Times – your guide to Chester and Cheshire Bars, Dining Pubs and Restaurants.
The Chester Grosvenor
You can’t mention Chester’s Hospitality sector without mention The Chester Grosvenor.
The hotel which resides in the heart of Chester, in the shadow of the world famous Eastgate Clock, has been providing guests with unforgettable experiences since it opened in 1865.
The hotel offers an array of luxurious rooms and suites along with exquisite culinary experiences thanks to its two restaurants.
Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, has retained its Michelin star since 1990, whilst La Brasserie has become a renowned 2 AA Rosette restaurant in its own right.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious break in the heart of Chester or you’re looking to wine and dine for business, The Chester Grosvenor can cater to your every need.
Learn more and book online by clicking here.
The Mill Hotel
Located in the heart of Chester, The Mill Hotel is quintessentially Cestrian, with its amalgamation of historical and contemporary architecture, much like the city itself.
This hotel and spa is located on the shores of the canal and offers visitors a haven of relaxation just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Thanks to their excellent facilities including a gym, spa, sauna, bistro cuisine and real ales, you’ll have all you need to enjoy everything that Chester has to offer, right at your fingertips.
Learn more about The Mill Hotel by clicking here.
Chez Jules
Chester’s restaurant scene boasts a wide range of cuisines, which has helped cement its status as a culinary powerhouse in the North West and if it’s a homage to classic French cuisine that tickles your taste buds, look no further than Chez Jules.
Having opened its doors in 1997, Chez Jules has established itself as one of the city’s leading restaurants, offering diners an authentic taste of France.
Located on Northgate Street, Chez Jules’ decor is steeped in French tradition complemented by soft lighting, wooden tables and a chic aesthetic.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a bistro on the corner of a Parisian street.
However, although it is a classic French restaurant, it isn’t afraid to adapt and when lockdown hit it quickly developed a Takeaway model, enabling diners to enjoy a taste of France from the comfort of their own home in a very difficult time.
The restaurant has also introduced a range of social distancing measures and is delighted to be able to take restaurant bookings as of 14th July 2020.
Learn more and book by clicking here.
Carden Park Hotel
The Cheshire countryside offers some of the best rural spots in the country and nestled in 1,000 acres of Cheshire’s rolling fields is Carden Park, a 4-star luxury hotel which boasts a wide variety of amenities.
If you’re planning a weekend away or a business trip to the city, the hotel is prepared to welcome you with over 198 bedrooms, with many of them offering fantastic views over one of the hotel’s golf courses as well as the wider Cheshire countryside.
If it’s a relaxing stay you’re in need of, then look no further than the £10million on site spa facility. The Carden Park spa has a wealth of treatment options, including facials, hand and foot treatments as well as their signature experience which offers top to toe indulgence.
The hotel also has 2 championship golf courses situated within the 1,000 acre estate, as well as a AA Rosette awarded restaurant.
Learn more and book online by clicking here.
Oddfellows
‘Eccentric’, ‘a designer-fever dream’ and ‘perfection in a city centre hotspot’ are just some of the words used by visitors to describe Oddfellows and that’s exactly why we love it.
The atmosphere of Oddfellows is eclectic and vibrant, much like the decor and the characters that flock to Oddfellows Hall, located on Lower Bridge St in the centre of Chester.
With excellent service, food, accommodation and one of the best-stocked bars in Chester, Oddfellows is an essential watering hole for Cestrians and visitors alike.
Learn more about Oddfellows and book by clicking here.
Mercure Chester Abbott’s Well Hotel
The Mercure Chester Abbott’s Well Hotel is one of Chester’s finest 4-star hotels and is a perfect base whether you’re looking to do business in the city or you’re on a break and looking to explore the attractions Chester has to offer including Chester Zoo, the UK’s largest zoo.
Located 2 miles from the centre of Chester, the hotel boasts state of the art leisure facilities and benefits from stunning views of the Cheshire countryside, which, coupled with the outstanding levels of service the hotel staff provide, has helped the hotel develop an excellent reputation as both a wedding and events venue.
The hotel has also played a key role in the fight against Coronavirus by reserving the hotel exclusively for a group of key workers.
As lockdown eases they will also be taking public bookings from July onwards.
Learn more about the hotel and book online by clicking here.
The Queen Hotel
Located opposite Chester train station, The Queen Hotel is the perfect introduction for those disembarking to explore our great city.
Having originally opened in 1860, the hotel is steeped in history from its distinctive external architecture to its opulent Victorian-style rooms, with some rooms offering a four-poster bed, accentuating that feeling of luxury and guaranteeing a comfortable stay in a prime location.
The hotel has also played host to some famous faces throughout its history including Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lillie Langtry.
Learn more about The Queen Hotel and book online by clicking here.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
With an entire floor dedicated to meeting rooms, The Crowne Plaza is the perfect venue for conducting business within Chester.
The hotel is located in the centre of the city, only a 5 minute walk from both the iconic Chester Cathedral and Chester Racecourse and is only a short drive away from Chester Business Park.
If it’s a more leisurely getaway you’re in search of, the hotel offers a range of spa treatments as well as access to a gym in addition to a lounge, grill and bar.
Learn more about Crowne Plaza and book online by clicking here.
Chef’s Table
Chef’s Table has become one of the culinary hotspots in the city. Priding themselves on delivering a fine dining experience using local seasonal produce, the team at Chef’s Table are creative, dedicated and continue to push the boundaries of food.
They have been hit particularly hard by the impact of COVID-19.
Due to the size of their restaurant (which seats 30 guests) they have been unable to open to the public even though the lockdown rules have eased.
However, this has pushed their creativity to new levels and they have opened both street-food style pop-ups at their premises as well as their next venture, Pasta Parcel, which will be open for takeaway from 21st-25th July.
You can learn more about Chef’s Table and their future plans by clicking here.
Historic House Hotels of the National Trust
In 1979, the company was set up to ensure run-down country houses were rescued, preserved and restored.
Historic House Hotels of the National Trust own 3 country houses, including Hartwell House, Bodysgallen Hall and Middlethorpe Hall.
Each property is steeped in history and each building is at least 300 years old and blends traditional styling with modern comfort.
Learn more about Historic House Hotels of the National Trust by clicking here.
We love Chester – support local businesses
It’s more essential than ever before that we get behind these businesses and all local businesses within our area.
They have provided many members of Chester Business Club and the wider local community with unforgettable memories and experiences, and so now is the time to support them as much as possible in these difficult times.
Our hospitality sector are doing all they can to ensure your visit is safe, with many offering a takeaway service in order to ensure customers are as comfortable as possible. Make sure you check out their social media channels and websites to see what services are being offered.
Stay safe!