21 Apr LUYA’s Guide to Outdoor Dining in Chester
Since 12th April, Brits have been flocking in their droves to the closest terraces and beer gardens to order food and drink from an actual menu (oh, the novelty!!). Over the past week, we’ve conducted some VERY important research and headed to the best alfresco restaurants in Chester to let you know which are worth the visit. Read on to get the lowdown on LUYA’s recommendations for the best outdoor venues open in Chester now…
LUYA recommends for the food
Porta
Porta has kept us well fed during lockdown 3.0 with their quite frankly SUBLIME takeaway chorizo barbeques. Now, the cosy restaurant is back delivering Chester residents the best tapas the city has ever seen. (Top tip, don’t skip dessert!)
Opening times: 5-10:30pm Friday and Saturday nights
How to book: Walk-ins only
BarLounge
No Chester restaurant round-up would be complete without a shout out to an old LUYA fave, BarLounge. The outdoor terrace heaters and fuzzy blankets are enough to keep anyone warm and best of all, the Bites & Boards menu is back!
Opening times: 12-11:45pm daily (weather dependent)
How to book: Bookings open each evening at 6pm for the following day, book here.
LUYA recommends for the bottomless drinks
Opera Grill
Hidden behind the Neoclassical façade of Opera Grill is a contemporary roof terrace. Unlimited food and cocktails for 2 hours for £50…. sign us up.
Opening times: 12-11pm daily.
How to book: Book online here.
The Secret Garden (The Townhouse Hotel)
Arguably the worst kept secret in Chester, The Secret Garden is tucked away in the back of The Townhouse Hotel. The bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea makes you feel #fancy when you’re on a day sesh.
How to book: Book online here.
LUYA recommends for the beer
Commonhall Street Social
The Commonhall crew have been keeping busy during lockdown and they’ve reopened with a brand-new beer menu to show for it! With a pop-up on Chester Racecourse and a terraced area outside the Commonhall Street venue, the social hub is spread all throughout the city.
Opening times: 12pm- dusk daily (City-centre venue)
12pm – dusk Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Pop-up)
How to book: Walk-ins only.
The Pied Bull
The only micro-brewery within Chester’s city walls features a cosy beer terrace, so you can enjoy a hand-crafted beer in the sun.
Opening times: 11am-9pm daily.
LUYA recommends for the views
The Architect
The lawns overlooking Chester Racecourse make you forget you’re in a city centre. The Architect has set up a tipi and private huts to keep guests nice and cosy when the weather turns south.
Opening times: 12-11pm daily.
How to book: Book online here.
Hickory’s Smokehouse
Located on the bank of the River Dee, Hickory’s Smokehouse has transformed its carpark into an outdoor dining area for guests.
Opening times: 11am-11pm daily.
How to book: Bookings open each evening at 6pm for the following day, book here.
LUYA recommends for the #gram
Popcorn
This botanical-themed bar has 140 seated spaces outdoors for guests to bask in the sun. With a plethora of foliage and picnic benches, Popcorn is definitely one of the most Insta-worthy beer gardens in Chester!
Opening times: 10am-2am daily.
How to book: Book online here.
Palm Chester
Selfies are requirement when you visit Palm. The millennial pink daydream of a bar is offering cocktails and patisseries every weekend on its outdoor seating.
Opening hours: 11am-9pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
How to book: Walk-in only.