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Cheshire

Loaf, 2-3 Music Hall Passage, Off St Werberg Street, Chester, CH1 2EU


2-3 Music Hall Passage, Off St Werberg Street, Chester, CH1 2EU

Loaf is one of those post-modern restaurant bars that have a depressing vibe and sucks the soul out of your love for food. It is dark and lifeless and makes taking a seat to commit to a meal very difficult. The menu is a typical one you get in nearly all chain bars or pubs. It is the kind of food you know what it will taste of before you put it in your mouth. They like to think they give you a trendy eating experience but odd shaped plates and fancy presentation can not hide the fact that these types of bars should not be considered when you are out for a meal.

La Brasserie, Chester Grosvenor Hotel Eastgate Cheshire CH1 1LT


Chester Grosvenor Hotel Eastgate Cheshire CH1 1LT

T he Chester Grosvenor Hotel is a fascinating institution; it is the one true 5* deluxe hotel in any British town outside of London and Edinburgh, and quite magnificent. Of course, it features 2 elegant dining areas - the long-celebrated Arkle Restaurant, and the attractive and bustling Brasserie. As I do not regularly visit Chester, I had longed to have dinner at one of these eateries. But the opportunity arose recently; I took the view that as I was by myself, I did not want an elaborate formal meal, and so I chose the Brasserie. I wish I had chosen otherwise! This was arguably the most disappointing meal I have had in a relatively upmarket restaurant. It is such a pity when the surroundings are pleasant, and the service offered with enthusiasm, that the kitchen cannot come up to the same standard.

The Queen's Head, Eastgate Street, Chester


Eastgate Street, Chester

Food: Usual pub grub fayre, including burgers, gammon steak, a Beano style bangers and mash, and a range of hot and cold baguettes. Drink: Public house (Greenalls, I think) Personally….: Once upon a time this used to be one of the dodgiest pubs in Chester, but they did marvelously cheap but tasty food. Now it's had a makeover, and it's a shame they didn't make the food over too. After a 45 minute wait for our food, we were confronted with a burger that was burnt underneath, cold chips, and my friend's egg on his gammon steak looked like it had been sent to the rubber factory.

Efes, Knutsford, Cheshire


Knutsford, Cheshire

- Styles itself a Greek and Indian restaurant, and I entered with trepidation

- The 'Indian' I had was bland and tasteless made is seems with the same homogenous curry paste

- There were no starters on the menu so I had no opportunity to start with an onion bhaji

- The beer was good (that came out of a bottle).

- Service was friendly at least. El Lobo

Hardy's, Garden Lane, Chester


Garden Lane, Chester

Food: A little café/bistro, in a student area run seemingly run by one man! Don't let this put you off though, tasty food at all times. Drink: Does not have drinks license so bring your own, which is ok as there is an off license down the road. Personally….: Always a good atmosphere but this maybe be because I've always gone with groups of friends. The owner/chef is great, (good looking too ;) ) Good for a cheap(ish) night out.

Little Oak, 99 Boughton, Chester, CH3 5BH


99 Boughton, Chester, CH3 5BH

Food: Wonderful mix of 'pub grub' (lasagne, pies, etc) and Irish specialities including the hugely satisfying 'Ulster Fry' breakfast. Portions are most generous! Snack and baguettes also available, never tried the desserts, not entirely sure if there is any! Drink: Public house beverages, as usual. Personally: This a grand place, the staff are always cheery especially the cook!. So, she should be too, this is wonderful pub food at a good price probably due to it's location out of the city centre.

Alfresco, Gateway House, Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HT


Gateway House, Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HT

Alfresco is situated on Northgate Street which is very much part of Chester’s Roman character. It is one of those café restaurants when, as you walk by, the strangely appealing sound of clattering plates and high pitch steam and whirls of cappuccino machines draws you inside. It has a friendly atmosphere where the waitresses are all smiling and helpful despite the frantic rush to get the people served.

Macclesfield Travel Inn, Tytherington Business Park Springwood Way SK10 2XA


Tytherington Business Park Springwood Way SK10 2XA

Oh dear. Well, OK, you’re staying at Crossroads so you don’t expect table d’haute. But when you order a Full English Breakfast you’d like it to appear as if it was cooked today, not yesterday. Travel Inn is a Whitbread brand so this should tip you off about what to expect. We only had breakfast there and had pre-ordered two ‘Traditional’ breakfasts and one boiled egg and soldiers. The latter took so long to arrive that , by the time it turned up, J had practically grown up, gone to university, got married, had children of his own and died of old age .

Duttons, 10-12 Godstall Lane , Chester CH1 1LN


10-12 Godstall Lane , Chester CH1 1LN

Duttons is tucked away in Godstall Lane in Chester, where the other more designer café bars exist. You feel you are in France or Italy as the tables are filled outside and you can hear a lively buzz of conversations, as people are inspired into good spirits as they enjoy their meal.

It is more formal than Alfresco but there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can sit back and let the helpful staff rush around after you. During lunch hours, Duttons caters for all people from the businessmen on a lunch break, shoppers with lots of bags to couples and families. The lay-out is very appealing with dark wooden floors and stylish furniture including comfy leather armchairs.

Red Lion, Church Road, Dodleston, Nr Chester, CH4 9NG


Church Road, Dodleston, Nr Chester, CH4 9NG

Out of the way country pub thing. Was a bit perturbed to see such a lovely old place being a chain pub (Vintage Inns) but hoped it wouldn't make any difference to the food. Menu mainly traditional but usally 'with a twist'. one of my companions ordered the minestrone soup as a starter, which was a meal in itself! A really hearty, chunky soup with the biggest doorstop of bread I've ever seen. For main, I was torn between the yummy sounding Sausage and Cheddar Mash with bacon, mushroom and garlic gravy, and the Hunters Chicken.
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