Chester hotels are beginning to warm up for the start of the racing season.

Research from Chester Racecourse has shown that visitors to the race meetings spend more on hotel accommodation Chester, food and drink and shopping away from the showground than they do at the venue itself – which is great news for the whole local visitor economy.

Hot on the heels of last week’s news that Chester Racecourse is now the fourth most popular racecourse in the UK, businesses across the city from bars and restaurants to shops and hotels near chester are already making preparations for the May meeting – the first major event in Chester’s racing calendar.

Recent racecourse statistics reveal that the average visitor spends over £100 on accommodation Chester, £65 on food and drink within the city and spends £70 shopping in the centre.

What’s more, over 60% of racecourse visitors come from outside Chester and Cheshire, therefore representing significant additional spend to the area.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of the Chester Race Company Ltd, added: ‘We are obviously very pleased with our performance in 2009 and will strive to improve on these figures for 2010 which has already had a really strong start for ticket sales and hospitality, we will be looking to overtake Aintree and move into second or third position”

“We have recently taken over the management and delivery of all none raceday corporate events at the course which will continue to support the local visitor economy throughout the year.”

Neil McDonnell, owner of Barlounge, Upstairs at the Grill and the soon to open Hickory’s Smokehouse (at The Groves), said: “May is our favourite month of the year as it launches the local race season and we are already getting geared up for it.

“TheŠracecourse attracts thousands of visitors to the city and we directly benefit not just on the day of the meeting but in the days surrounding each event.

“But it’s not just the main race meetings that we benefit from; the impact a single race day has on the city centre on a quiet Wednesday daytime or on the family fun day is massive for our business.

“There is a real buzz throughout Chester every race meeting and we look forward to welcoming the wonderful and unique cross section of visitors to the city, ranging from the national racing fraternity, to families and the fashionistas.

“I personally see the Chester Racecourse as a very forward thinking local attraction who understands the importance of working in partnership with the rest of the local tourism industry.

“It was the first racecourse to launch a restaurant open all year round and had the foresight to open a private members bar which allows sporting heroes and top celebrities to enjoy privacy at what is now one of the North of England’s top attractions.”

Fashion is an integral part of the racing experience for many race-goers and Neil Parnell, General Manager of Marks & Spencer, Chester, believes the Chester Races are a vital component of the shop’s trading year.

He explains: “The lead up to the May festival sees many people buying not just new dresses for the event but new suits, shirts and shoes for men.

“Our fashion range is always at its finest just before the May festival and we are well aware of the increase in footfall and purchases that this creates.

“We are also pleased that the International Polo is becoming established and of course the new International show jumping event.

“These other events focus more attention on our city and of course increases footfall for the benefit of everyone in Chester.”

Stephen Wundke, chairman of the Restaurant Association of Chester & Cheshire, said: “Congratulations to Chester Race Company for their great performance during 2009.

“In the restaurant trade we experienced one of the toughest years in modern history as the recession hit discretionary spend hard in our industry.

“It made it even more important for our Chester based businesses that they had the bright spots of not just racing but the other events that they are now staging.

“We saw uplifts at Easter with the Food and Drink Festival and we are looking forward to the show jumping in July as I believe we can expect visitors form right across Europe for this event in 2010.”

Julie Webb, general manager at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, said: “It is not just the weekend of the race meeting when our average footfall and customer spend increases; we see a big boost in the weeks running up to a major meeting.

“During key race meetings our average customer spends increase by up to 20%. We are already planning our communications campaigns now to attract race visitors as it is a key event within our customer shopping calendar.”

Chris Brown, Chief Executive of Visit Chester and Cheshire (VCC) concluded: “With the recent statistics revealed by the racecourse, by increasing the average attendance by 10% it generates substantial benefit not just to the racecourse but to the region’s leisure and resident community.”

Baby elephant spotted in Chester City Centre

A HEAVY-WEIGHT new arrival has charged its way into Chester- in the form of a three foot bronze elephant calf symbolising the links between the UK’s largest Zoo and the city.

The sculpture, a gift on behalf of Chester Zoo and similar to that at its own main entrance, has now taken up residence on Werburgh Street, close to the Barclays Bank.

It is hoped that the one-metre tall statue, created by Hampshire-based sculptress Annette Yarrow, will encourage city tourists to venture to the zoo.

Alasdair McNee, corporate director for Chester Zoo, said: “We are delighted to unveil the latest addition to the city centre.

“Chester city has a world-class attraction – the UK’s largest and most successful zoo – on its doorstep and we hope this magnificent sculpture will be a permanent reminder of that fact.

“Our own bronze elephant is a huge draw for young and old alike and we hope to recreate this impact in the city. Chester Zoo, however, is far more than a visitor attraction and has conservation at the core of all its activities. The city’s new calf reflects what the zoo is all about.”

The zoo has been working closely with Chester Renaissance, which has looked after the installation for the city’s new attraction.

Rita Waters, chief executive of Chester Renaissance, said: “We were thrilled when the zoo approached us to assist in this installation. It is a wonderful gift to the city and will remind visitors and residents for generations to come of the close links between the city and its world class Zoo.”

Leader of the Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), Cllr Mike Jones is delighted that the bronze elephant is being placed in such a prominent position.
He said: “The bronze elephant has a great position in the city. It is accessible for everyone and will make a great photo-opportunity for residents and visitors. I hope that people – young and old – really enjoy seeing this fantastic sculpture up close”. Situated just a few yards from the Coach House Hotel beside the Town Hall.

“As well as being a great addition to the city, the bronze elephant also sends a strong message about the excellent working relationship the city and the zoo has.”

Renowned sculptress Annette, who also crafted the zoo’s bronze elephant, has drawn on her experience of growing up in India to create the calf, which took her six months to complete.

The elephant installation will be followed shortly by interpretation panels to tell both members of the public and visitors the story of the elephant and the city’s links with the zoo Chester Zoo is a registered conservation charity and support projects around the world and closer to home in Cheshire. Welcoming 1.4 million visitors a year, it is the largest zoo in the UK; home to 7,000 animals, 400 different species, many of which are endangered.

Looking for cheap Chester hotel while visiting the zoo? http://www.coachhousechester.co.uk

Chester Racecourse one of the most popular in the UK

THE OWNERS of Chester Racecourse owners are celebrating after being named as the fourth most popular racecourse in the UK.

Chester Racecourse, Roodee Lodge, Chester, has once again helped to boost the local visitor economy after coming runner-up to Cheltenham, Ascot and Aintree as the most popular racecourse in the country.

Owners also revealed this week that it achieved the biggest attendance increase of any of the UK’s top 15 courses in 2009 - up an average of 10 per cent.

Chris Brown, chief executive of Visit Chester and Cheshire, said the racecourse was a “stunning example” of premier attractions in Cheshire.

Chief executive of Chester Race Company, Richard Thomas, said: “Chester race days are not only a fantastic day out, they represent a huge growth opportunity for the visitor economy across Cheshire. With an average attendance of almost 20,000 people and 65 per cent coming from outside Cheshire, the meetings are attracting more people to the region and are having a positive effect on the local economy.”

Family need a place to stay during Graduation? Look no further than our Chester hotel offers.

Congratulations to everyone who will be graduating from The University of Chester next Friday in Postgraduate taught Masters programmes, a small number of Undergraduate Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Graduate Diplomas, Diplomas in Higher Education and Diplomas in Nursing and Midwifery Studies. If your relatives are stuck for a place to stay during the occasion, The Coach House Chester hotel offers the perfect backdrop. We are one of few hotels based right in the heart of the city centre and we are a stones throw away from Chester Cathedral where your momentous ceremony takes place. Our close proximity to the Cathedral also makes us the perfect venue to enjoy a spot of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner to mark the occasion with friends, family or both.

We had a large number of graduates enjoying meals and celebratory drinks during the November graduation ceremonies last year and we hope the sunshine lasts for a little while longer so that the tradition of Al Fresco graduation celebrations in our outdoor seating area can continue next week!

We look forward to welcoming you to The Coach House.

Our current Chester Hotel Offers:

Book a two night stay with us from Sunday through to Thursday in March & April and get the second night free. (Standard Room: £80 Premier Room: £95)
You can expect the same superb quality bedrooms with scrumptious breakfast each morning but with a little left over to spoil yourself!

Or

Book a one night stay with us from Sunday through to Thursday in March & April with breakfast included and have your evening meal on the house.

Deals to put a Spring in your Step

Food offers:

Free Soup
Let us treat you to a free soup with any of our cold sandwiches on our daytime menu any day of the week until the end of March.

Lazy Sunday
Willaston Farm rib of beef served with homemade Yorkshire pudding roast and new potatoes, fresh vegetables and real meat gravy
Plus a full selection of other quality roasts and dishes or try our light bite menu.
Sunday Lunch Main Course £10.95
2 Courses £12.95

Just enjoy our Special Sunday wine offer
at £10 a bottle whilst reading your favourite newspaper

Food and Drink Festival
During Chester Food and Drink Festival 1st to 10th April buy a main course and have one of our delicious home made desserts free.

Hotel Offers:

Book a two night stay with us from Sunday through to Thursday in March & April and get the second night free. (Standard Room: £80 Premier Room: £95)
You can expect the same superb quality bedrooms with scrumptious breakfast each morning but with a little left over to spoil yourself!

Or

Book a one night stay with us from Sunday through to Thursday in March & April with breakfast included and have your evening meal on the house.

4 Star Status awarded to The Coach House Hotel

We are delighted to announce our new 4 star status - and only 6 months after achieving 3 stars!
 
Awarded by the AA Hotel Services, we are now officially 4 STARS RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS.
The AA assesses establishments that offer accommodation to a set of common quality standards. These standards are agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities.

St. Patricks’s Day at The Coach House

Make Mother’s Day Special

Mankind Website

Pampering Breaks now available at The Coach House

Mankind Website

TASTE accreditation awarded to our luxury hotel Chester!

We are soon to have a commemorative plate and certificate from Taste Cheshire installed in the Coach House so we thought we’d make a song and dance about it in advance! We have been awarded a ‘TASTE’ accreditation by Taste Cheshire, part of Visit Chester &Cheshire for the provision of high quality food and service in our establishment.

We have consequently been placed among the top business listings of the Taste Cheshire website as part of the recently released Food Trail for 2010. The Food Trail which stretches from Chester to Warrington has been documented to encourage people to visit the shops that use only the finest local ingredients to create delicious produce such as cheeses jam and wines, the farm shops that source excellent local fruit and vegetables, and the pubs cafés and restaurants that take that local produce and turn it into delicious gastronomical treats!

Although the Coach House is not included in the concise trail compiled by travel journalist Kate Simon,you can find us under the ‘places to eat’ tab that compliments the trail. A couple of our close neighbours along Northgate street have made it onto the trail so if you do have the pleasure of trying out the Chester leg of it, be sure to pop in for a real ale or sample some of our local fare before heading on.

Why not view our offers page to find out about making a real trip of it and booking a great deal on rooms in our luxury hotel Chester.

New Hotel in Chester

Greetings card entrepreneur Andrew Brownsword is continuing the roll-out of his Abode boutique hotel brand with plans to open the next one in Chester this April.

The 85-bedroom hotel is situated within Chester’s HQ complex next to the city’s Roodee racecourse and will be the group’s first new build hotel, and will add to the amount of quality places to stay in Chester

A 76-cover Michael Caines Champagne Bar and Restaurant, overseen by the chef, but to be run by an as yet unnamed executive chef, will open on the hotel’s fifth floor with views across the city. As with Abode’s other Michael Caines restaurants, the Chester restaurant will source produce locally where possible and give diners the chance to choose from à la carte, tasting and ‘grazing’ menus.

See central Chester hotel here

Coach House Charity Quiz Raises £165.00 for WaterAid Charity

A great time was had by all at the fun quiz night.
Thanks to all who once more helped to make it an enjoyable evening

Anne Frank Exhibition at Chester Cathedral

To coincide with the 65th anniversary of the betrayal and arrest of Holocaust and literary heroine Anne Frank, Chester Cathedral presents a cutting edge and dramatic multimedia exhibition: Anne Frank + You.

The moving exhibition aimed at young people will run until February 24th and features an almost life size replica of Anne’s bedroom in hiding.

Entrance is £4 for adults and £1.50 per child.

Free Bowl of Soup with a sandwich

Vote for The Coach House at the Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival

Please vote before 25th February 2010 click here to vote

Festive cheer in Town Hall Square

Chester’s continental Christmas market officially opens tomorrow. Pop down to Town Hall Square any day between Dec 5 and 20th to browse through an array of fine goods from continental food beers and wines to handmade wooden toys. (Between 10am and 8pm)

Chester Christmas Markets

The Coach House welcomes the Italian Christmas Market to Town Hall Square today. They are trading over the next 3 days right on our doorstep so make sure you come down and sample their exciting range of products before popping into The Coach for some lovely mulled wine - hot from the tap! (19th-21st Nov 9am - 5pm).

Chester Continental Christmas Market then takes over for two weeks in December with numerous stalls and wooden chalets presenting a wide range of continental produce including fine food, wine, beers, hand made traditional wooden toys and much more. (5th-20th Dec 10am - 8pm).

There is plenty on offer for everyone, and since the Mayor pressed that all important button last Thursday, the city is glistening with hundreds of festive lights. The already picturesque setting of Chester’s ‘tourist district’ complete with Christmas markets and twinkly lights make it the perfect winter wonderland!

New Winter Menu Launch!

We have just launched our new winter a la carte and dessert menus.
Our braised blade of beef, game pie and roasted belly pork with honey and cloves should see you through these coming winter months.
And if you have a sweet tooth the warm apple bakewell with Cheshire Farm’s green apple sorbet is to die for!

Winter a la Carte Menu

Dessert Menu

Visit England Visits The Coach House!

The Coach House recently had a visit from a Visit England assessor to grade the hotel rooms. 
The report came back very positive, and we are delighted that The Coach House has been awarded the highly sought after accreditation of 3 star status!

The report covers several areas, including service, decor, cleanliness and food quality.  Overall, The Coach House scored ‘Very Good’ and we are highly pleased with the results. 

Superstar Enjoys Meal at The Coach House

Last month, Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall dined in The Coach House on a visit to Chester.  She was very gracious and pleasant and was happy to sign autographs for staff and customers.  Ms Cattrall was born in Widnes, but moved to Canada as a baby.  She is best known for playing Samantha Jones, a powerful, uninhibited public relations executive in the popular US sitcom and film Sex and the City.

Hotel Now Open

Following a major refurbishment, the nine stunning bedrooms are now open to the public.  All rooms have been individually designed and have ensuite facilities.  Double rooms start at £80 per night, including breakfast.

Coach House Customers Use their Brains

On Friday 17th April, The Coach House Chester hosted it’s first charity quiz night in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The event was enjoyed by everyone, and over £250 was raised to help this worthwhile cause.  Claire House is a centre of excellence providing 24 hour respite, palliative, and terminal care for children and young people from 0 - 23 years of age with a life threatening or life limiting illness, and their families.