Coach House Chester wins first prize for ‘Best Use of Local Produce’

Congratulations are in order for our fantastic Chef James, our hardworking management team, and our dedicated staff after last night’s 9th annual Chester Food Drink & Lifestyle Gala Dinner Awards.

THE VERY best of Chester’s bars, restaurants, pubs and food outlets attended the awards ceremony last night at Chester Racecourse for a celebration where more than 300 guests were treated to a delicious four course meal courtesy of Chester Racecourse’s Restaurant 1539, using the finest local and regional produce from around Chester and Cheshire.

We took home the first prize for ‘Best Use of Local Produce’ and couldn’t be happier. A massive thanks to everyone who voted for us and also to our suppliers who provide us with the excellent fresh produce we use to create our award winning menus!

Festival Organiser, Stephen Wundke, said at the event: “Each and everyone who is here this evening has worked extremely hard to ensure that they are offering customers the very best experience they can and to be recognised for this by not only the customers but also by those in the industry, means a great deal to them…Over the last year, we have seen many changes within the food and drink industry and it’s been a tough 12 months for everyone”.

Mr Wundke added: “The success of the restaurants we have in Chester and the new restaurants that have opened in the last few months is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the teams who work within them.”

We couldn’t agree more Mr Wundke!

Source:  http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk

Chester Renaissance launch free ‘Revealing the Rows’ app

Visitors having a Chester holiday can now learn all about the rich history of the city’s unique shopping Rows and attractions Chester through their mobile phones.

A new downloadable application, or ‘app’ called Revealing the Rows has been launched by Chester Renaissance and is already helping residents and visitors find hidden artefacts and architectural features among the city’s famous historic Rows.

These include a huge ornamental fireplace - so big it may once have hidden a priest hole - in Sofa Workshop and a hypocaust in the depths of Spud-u-Like where, around 2,000 years ago, water would have been heated for Roman baths.

Chief Executive of Chester Renaissance, Rita Waters, says the app is an ideal and modern day medium to help people seek out some of Chester’s hidden treasures. She said: “This is something new for the city and we are very excited about it. The app not only has a significant heritage value but it will also give an economic boost to shops on the Rows.
“Many of these businesses, along with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Visit Chester & Cheshire, have been involved in planning the app as have our tour guides who see it as a dynamic extension to the services they already offer.

“Chester Renaissance was set up to drive momentum and bring added value to efforts to complete and accelerate the economic growth of Chester. This is a new and exciting feature which we can offer to visitors and is another step in helping us reach our goal of becoming a must-see modern 21st Century European destination.”

Apps offer immediate, self selected, visitor information quite literally straight into the hands of visitors on their mobile devices. Revealing the Rows, is available free for iPhone and iPod touch units.
The app is based on an I-Spy game that has been specially designed by Imagemakers Design and Consulting for the heritage sector.
Project Manager James Cokeham said: “It can be played by up to four players, who score points for being the first to spot the artefact or feature. It’s a great game for families and those with a special interest in heritage can dig deeper for more detailed information and stunning historic imagery.”

Summer Open Air Theatre event starts in Chester today!

“As Merry as the day is long…”

This summer between July 15th – August 8th, you are invited to step through the gates of Grosvenor Park into a world of fantasy, romance, heroics and beasts!

The park has been transformed into one of the most wonderful theatre settings you can imagine. The programme of open air theatre features Shakespeare’s much loved comedy Much Ado About Nothing and a new play, Hercules written for all ages 7+ and set to become a family classic!

Some of the country’s best directors and actors have been busy creating a brand new professional summer theatre company which we are in no doubt will achieve national acclaim for this wonderful new adventure in Chester. Our cast include some respected and well known names from stage and television, along with some incredibly talented young physical actors and musicians.  Music is written especially for the two shows.

A new, unique (and very ecological!) new theatre space has been designed and built which is a combination of picnic spaces and (picnic) terrace seating.

You can eat and drink in both areas (there is a plenty of space on the wooden terraces to picnic), but with the picnic spaces you can bring your own deckchairs and blankets.

For the terraces you need to bring a cushion, or you can hire one from us!

There are 8 performances a week, including 2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays and a tea time special on a Sunday at 5pm.

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is produced by Chester Performs on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council and is supported by Arts Council England.

Book online, call 0843 208 0500 or call into Chester Tourist Information Centre Tickets on sale now,

Site of King Arthur’s ‘Round Table’ revealed to be Chester’s Roman Ampitheatre

A group of thrilled historians claim to have discovered the site of King Arthur’s storied “Round Table” at an ancient Roman amphitheater in Chester. The discovery is a further indication that the “Round Table” was not a mere piece of furniture, but a massive wooden and stone structure that could seat some 1,000 people. The historians believe that noblemen of Camelot sat in the front row of the circular meeting place, with lower ranked subjects on stone benches in an outer circle.

According to Camelot historian Chris Gidlow “The first accounts of the Round Table show that it was nothing like a dining table but was a venue for upwards of 1,000 people at a time…The Chester amphitheater was only recently discovered, and includes an execution stone and wooden memorial to Christian martyrs, a spot described by the monk Gildas, who wrote the earliest account of King Arthur’s life and linked the site to the Round Table. “That’s the clincher,” said Gidlow. “The discovery of the shrine within the amphitheater means that Chester was the site of Arthur’s court and his legendary Round Table.”

Source – The Daily Telegraph

We’ve extended our al fresco dining area!

Now that summer is well and truly here and Rhinomania has hit Chester, we’ve extended our outdoor seating area for the enjoyment of all our customers. Whether popping in for a refreshing drink or having a meal, there is now space for everyone to enjoy the fresh air and watch the world go by.

“It’s a long walk back to the Coach House… even if the Beer & Vittels are darn tootin’ good!”

Tuesday saw the first round of the Town Criers World Tournament 2010. Hosted by ourselves, The Coach House was awash with bright costumes and bellowing voices. One crier even took it upon himself to make sure all food orders got to the right tables by calling out the meals being carried out of the kitchen!

It was a beautiful day and the handsome shire horses from Thwaites brewery that stood outside the hotel for a couple of hours in the sunshine caused a lot of interest. They were sent by Thwaites to commemorate the special Town Criers Ale that we are serving on tap throughout the festival.

The theme of round one of the competition was centred around our hotel so each participant had to make reference to coaches, coaching or horses. An example of one of these references was by Daniel Richer dit la Flêche the Town Crier for Ottawa and Gatineau in Canada. I didn’t catch everything he was saying but one particular phrase stuck out whilst talking about leaving your horses behind and walking on foot. “It’s a long way back to the Coach House” he said “even if the Beer and Vittels are darn tootin’ good”.

Of course in today’s times of modern transport there’s no excuse not to try them for yourselves!

Town Criers David & Julie Mitchell tasted our ale and declared it to be a wholesome fine brew!

Press Release

Ye Olde Ale-Tasting Ceremony

Diners in the Coach House Restaurant in Northgate Street were surprised on Wednesday lunchtime when Chester’s Town Criers, David and Julie Mitchell, loudly entered to perform ‘Ye Olde Ale-Tasting Ceremony’.

David Mitchell explained, ‘Town Criers historically acted as trading standards officers to ensure that landlords maintained the required standards of brewing and served full measures. It had come to our attention that the Coach House, in conjunction with Daniel Thwaites Brewery, has revived the Town Crier Ale in honour of the forthcoming World Town Crier Tournament, so we agreed with the landlord to perform the ceremony.’

A representative of Thwaites Brewery, David Midwinter, was on hand to view proceedings. The landlord, Neil Owens, was relieved to hear the official verdict loudly proclaimed:

‘The Ale-Tasters have tasted thine ale and pronounced it good. We do commend thee for keeping a fine house and serving a fine brew. Good people, the ale has been tasted and found to be wholesome and fit for human consumption. Landlord we give thee this evergreen sprig to hang over the portals of thy door so that all wayfarers will know that thine ales be good, fit even for a town crier to quench his thirst. God Save the Queen!’

The Coach House is supporting the Chester World Town Crier Tournament by opening its doors to the criers and escorts after the first full day of competition, on Tuesday 15 June, and serving a traditional pub meal, consisting of locally-sourced produce. This round, which will also be a self-contained competition with its own winners, will take place in Town Hall Square, starting at 11am. The Coach House has arranged for the Thwaites’ prize-winning Shire Dray Horses to be in attendance during the afternoon, arriving at 1pm.

Neil Owens said, ‘We are pleased to be supporting this colourful event, and also to act as a hub for the town criers and escorts during the week. We look forward to offering traditional British hospitality to the world’s town criers, and helping to slake their thirsts with our Town Crier Ale, especially now that it has the official seal of approval.’

The Town Crier’s 2010 World Tournament kicks off this Monday.

Contact Neil Owens: 01244 351900; David Mitchell: 01244 311736

Chester Town Hall, located next to our hotel Chester to reopen on Saturday after £2m of improvement

RESTORATION work costing £2m has made Chester Town Hall a venue for concerts and weddings and a museum to add to the existing Chester attractions.

On Saturday, the 140-year-old gothic building will reopen after two years of repairs on the roof and stonework, installation of a lift and toilets and refurbishment of the visitor centre.

After being the ceremonial headquarters of Chester City Council, the conversion will make the building a quality cultural and civic centre at the heart of our historic city.

The opening marks the end of phase one of work on the town hall which will not be entirely finished until next winter.

Cllr Richard Short, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “When the work programme is complete – probably during winter next year – the Town Hall will play a leading and vibrant part in the cultural life of the city.

“It is also a vital ingredient in our plan to provide the quality of facilities required for our bid to become UK City of Culture in 2017.

“Whilst we are reopening to the public on Saturday, it may become necessary in the future to close temporally to allow for further stages of the work.”

Phase two later this year will involve the conversion of the council chamber to provide a high quality venue for civic events, receptions and galas. This will hopefully encourage a stay in Chester at our Chester central hotel with all the guests descending on such events.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress’s parlours will have a high quality refurbishment and the committee room transformed into a high quality museum designed to portray Chester’s long and distinguished civic history.

The Assembly Rooms, which form the heart of the building and can accommodate an audience of 400, will become a small scale concert and recital venue, complementing the larger scale Cathedral and proposed new theatre.

This phase of the work, due to take place by April 2011, will also include improvements to the stage, seating and dressing room facilities and enhanced catering facilities.

Use of the former court and magistrates room as a unique themed café area, with the potential to stage heritage and cultural activities, is currently being investigated.

Restoration to the façade will be complemented by an architectural lighting scheme and public realm works in the Town Hall square.

The newly refurbished Town Hall will resound with the sound of music next week as the city welcomes back the regular lunchtime concerts.

The Chester Federation of Arts presents a piano recital by Manchester artist Laura Hibberd on Tuesday (June 8) at 12.45pm.

The programme, played on the Assembly Room Steinway grand piano, will range from Mozart to Debussy.

The federation has arranged concerts in the Assembly Room for the past 40 years.

Source:  Chester Chronicle

Handel’s Messiah came back to Chester Cathedral on Saturday. 268 years after it was rehearsed there!

Messiah is one of Handel’s most famous works and is considered to be one of the greatest works in the history of music. It premiered in Dublin on 13 April 1742. However – owing to bad weather delaying the ferry crossing to Ireland – Handel rehearsed the piece in Chester Cathedral.

In his earlier London years Handel had already achieved considerable fame and success, particularly with his operas, but by 1741 things were not so good. Performance costs had risen and he was losing money fast. He was suffering from insomnia, depression and rheumatism. His operas were loudly denounced by influential churchmen as profane and unseemly, and theatres such as the Covent Garden Theatre, which Handel ran at the time, were regarded in some quarters as the low haunts of dubious characters.

So when Handel received an invitation from the Duke of Devonshire to go to Dublin and produce a series of charity concerts, he readily accepted. After all, Dublin in the 18th Century was one of the important musical centres of Europe, and he would take Messiah with him and produce it there.

On his way over to Ireland he was delayed at Chester because the winds were wrong for crossing the Irish Sea, so he used the time by rehearsing Messiah with some singers from Chester Cathedral, but the results were not good. On one occasion, having asked the cathedral organist to recommend any choristers who could sing at sight, Handel auditioned a printer named Janson, who was supposed to have a good bass voice. Janson, however, was useless. Handel in fury said, ‘You scoundrel, didn’t you tell me that you could sing at sight?’ to which the hapless printer replied, ‘Yes, Sir, and so I can, but not at first sight!’

On Saturday 22nd May The 18th Century Concert Orchestra and the Chester Cathedral Nave Choir provided a glorious performance of Handel’s most famous work and a fabulous time was had by all who attended.

Kim Cattrall - our most famous customer returns to the silver screen this weekend!

This time a year ago, Sex and the City superstar Kim Cattrall took a trip over to our side of the pond to film for an emotional episode of BBC 1’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are’.

The Liverpool born actress who participated in the show to trace her family history on behalf of her mother and two aunties, spent quality time with her family over lunch at the Coach House in-between filming scenes in Liverpool and Durham. Kim was gracious enough to chat to staff and fellow customers and even signed one of our comments cards.

The much anticipated sequel to the Sex and the City movie hits cinemas this bank holiday weekend so why not get your Manolo’s on and strut over to the Coach House for a post-movie cocktail, you never know, you might even bump into Samantha!

Kim will return to the Northwest again this October to play Cleopatra in Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ at the Liverpool Playhouse.

Offers at Mankind Chester

Combine a stay at our b & b Chester with these fabulous offers at Mankind Chester just two minutes walk for the Cheap hotels in Chester

Mankind Newsletter

I had the best facial at Mankind a few weeks ago and can’t wait to go again.

Please continue to look at our Chester hotel offers

Scones at dawn: Cornwall and Devon clash over where the ‘cream tea’ was invented

Our b&b Chester has learnt that a farmer has launched a campaign to win ‘geographical protection’ for Devon cream teas - sparking a row with Cornish rivals about which county invented it.

Langage Farm manager Paul Winterton says he is hoping to win the backing of the Department for Food and Rural Affairs to take the proposal to the EU.
If he succeeds, the traditional afternoon combination of tea, scones, clotted cream and jam will become a protected brand. Our bed & breakfast Chester will certainly have a vested interest in these developments.

The regional exclusivity encompassed by EU Protected Designation of Origin is already enjoyed by Melton Mowbray pork pies in Leicestershire, and Newcastle Brown Ale.
This means it would be illegal to sell one under that name using spray cream, or if any ingredients were not made in Devon.

The cream tea already divides Cornwall and Devon, which differ regarding the order in which the ingredients are added together.

The Devon method is to split the scone in two, cover each half with clotted cream, and then add strawberry jam on top.

In Cornwall, the scone is first spread with strawberry jam, with the cream added as the topping.

Mr Winterton said: ‘There is no doubt the cream tea was first made in Devon. Of course the Cornish would claim that theirs is superior. But the truth is that Devon has been producing the ultimate cream tea for centuries.

‘[The Cornish] are just worried because it is obvious our county set the standard when it comes to the cream tea. It’s a compliment really.

‘There are differences between the two in the way they are put together but the most significant difference is in the quality of the ingredients.

‘I feel people are being short-changed. I have seen Devon cream teas with cream from a can in the Lake District, the scone was like a cake.

‘With an excellent food like the Devon cream tea, you need to know its origin. I don’t think they can refuse us. I think the placement of the ingredients is important, to distinguish it from other cream teas.’

Cream tea makers in Cornwall have reacted angrily to the idea and Mike Pearce of Cornishcream.com believes officials in Devon are simply jealous that Cornwall already has several protected products such as Cornish clotted cream and Cornish sardines.

He said yesterday: ‘There is only one cream tea, and that’s the Cornish cream tea.

‘The application should be thrown out. I don’t think Devon has the got the status that Cornwall has got for any products.’

Some historians have claimed to have found evidence of manual workers restoring Tavistock’s Benedictine Abbey in Devon being served bread, clotted cream and strawberry preserves by the monks in 1105.

However, in what could be a major blow to both counties, the UK Tea Council says the first complete cream tea was probably served in Bedford in the 19th Century.

It says the first person to serve tea, scones, jam and cream was Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, in the mid 19th Century who served hot tea, cakes, preserves and cream to her friends.

Spokesman Bill Gorman said: ‘Devon may have problems getting protection for a Cream Tea.

‘If by definition a cream tea includes a hot cup of tea it certainly didn’t start in the 1100s.

‘Tea wasn’t served in Britain until the 17th Century and afternoon tea with cakes was first served by the Duchess of Bedford in 1841.

‘Dinner was served so late in those days she wanted an afternoon snack with her friends.’

While Devon and Cornwall fight amongst themselves, come and try the best cream teas and afternoon teas in Chester at The Coach House Hotel.
Click here for Afternoon Tea Menu

Please Continue to visit the hotel and check out our Chester Hotel Reviews

source: Daily Mail

New archdeacon of Chester appointed

Attention to all the b&bs Chester A SENIOR clergyman from County Durham is to become the new Archdeacon of Chester.

The Rev Canon Dr Michael Gilbertson is expected to begin his new role in September, succeeding Donald Allister, who is now the Bishop of Peterborough.

A former senior civil servant in the 1980s and early 1990s, Rev Gilbertson was Private Secretary to three successive Trade and Industry Secretaries before becoming a priest.

As Archdeacon of Chester, Rev Gilbertson will have pastoral and administrative responsibilities for parishes in the western half of the Diocese of Chester, which includes Wirral and the western half Cheshire.

He said: “I feel both humbled and excited at this new opportunity to serve God in the Diocese of Chester.

“This area is where I grew up, so it’s a kind of homecoming for me. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.”

Aged 48, Rev Gilbertson is married to Jenny, 48, a solicitor, and they have two sons, Matthew, 16, and Duncan, 13.

Source: Liverpool Echo

We welcome our new Cathedral Archdeacon and new neighbour to our Hotel Chester for a pie and a pint or alternatively if you fancy a spot of golf Chester style, visit us.

Chester £1billion redevelopment plans go to consultation

PEOPLE living and working in Chester are being invited to give their views on ambitious plans for a £1bn redevelopment of part of the city. This is great news if you’re a Chester b and b.

Public consultation is to begin next Monday on a “vision document” and development framework to create a Central Business Quarter for Chester.

This is the first stage of a £1bn Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Renaissance project that they claim could create thousands of jobs.

The aim is to present an overall picture for the transformation of the area east of the City centre beyond the City Walls and centring around the railway station which is deemed to be ‘critical to Chester’s ambition to be a world class city.’

Regeneration director Charlie Seward said: “The NWDA identification of this area as a Strategic Employment Site provides us with a wonderful opportunity to create a development which will greatly benefit Chester, but also the Cheshire and Warrington Sub Region and the whole of the North West.

“There has been significant interest from the local business community and major regional and national investors.

“We believe that the area is a natural location for a Business District, being served by the Railway Station with its hourly links to London and Crewe and easily accessible motorway complex.”
The council said the new “Business Quarter” will provide Chester with “the opportunity to integrate world class solutions into a historic city – overcoming physical constraints, conserving sensitive assets and promoting sustainable growth”.

Council leader Mike Jones said the plans were “very exciting” although he acknowledged it would take years to bring to fruition.

He said: “We are an ambitious council and we want to see things happening.”

The proposed scheme will focus on low energy consumption, recycling and conservation techniques. Social, economic and environmental sustainability will be key principles in its design.
All will be set within new high quality planned public spaces- greens, plazas, squares gardens and activity parks, with a wide range of amenities.
The public consultation process will involve meetings with local organisations and residents; a four week exhibition at Chester Railway Station and hundreds of letters to local business and residents outlining the aims of the scheme and providing website links to the council’s draft Development Framework .

Chief executive of Chester Renaissance, Rita Waters, said: “This development will secure the future of Chester for generations to come, providing new quality employment opportunities and securing inward investment into the heart of our city.”

The development framework should be complete by July, when the council executive will be asked to endorse the final version.

Please visit us if you’re looking for a budget hotels Chester or visit Our hotel in Chester because we’re looking forward to the increased business in the City

After more than Bed and Breakfast Chester? We serve up delicious Afternoon Tea daily

As with all quality bed and breakfasts Chester establishments the Coach House would never serve up food that had not been tasted and approved by all the staff to ensure that the food we serve you is as delicious as it looks.

Last month it was the management teams turn to sample the new afternoon tea menu of finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries of the best hotel in Chester and they certainly were not disappointed.

Eileen, John, Anita, Neil and Peter all indulged in an assortment of petite finger sandwiches, homemade fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, carrot orange and walnut cakes, Cheshire tarts, dainty chocolate éclairs, and homemade shortbread. All of which washed down with some very English tea.  After deflecting a few jealous glances from onlookers they finished every bite and rolled out the door.

If you would like a similar experience from the best bed and breakfast Chester has to offer. Our afternoon tea is served daily between 2.30 and 5.30pm. You can have all the delights sampled above for £9.95 or if you suffer from a sweet tooth and want to give the sandwiches a miss, it’ll only set you back £6.95, with prices like these you have no excuse not to treat yourself!

Race Meetings provide a great stay in Chester - as observed by the Old Poacher!

Chester Races got off to a great start last week with the May Festival and sure enough despite the unusually cold weather a good time was had by all here at the Coach House and the other hotels Chester City Centre. It was really good to see old friends and new amongst the race goers. Many guests enjoyed our traditional Cheshire breakfast and others took lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea and left very satisfied with their stay in Chester.  Gianfranco also made sure there wasn’t a dry mouth in the place throughout the 3 day festival with his infamous cocktails

We were also delighted to welcome the famous jockeys Richard and Michael Hills for a short stay in Chester. Richard riding two winners on the first day so many congratulations to him. We were also pleased to see Colin and Roxanne from Newcastle who are old friends to us all at the Coach House but unfortunately due to us being full they had to stay in another hotel near Chester. Still it was good to see them and hopefully we can accommodate the in the best hotel in Chester next year.

The atmosphere was very good throughout the meeting especially on Friday evening with the visit of our old friends from Caldy Rugby Club. Charlie even sang to Annie a sight impossible to be missed from my vantage point!

This week sees the Press launch here at the Coach House for the Halfords Tour Series cycle race on 21st June which will pass right in front of quality hotel Chester.

So enough from me for now I’ll keep in touch.

13.5.2010

Plans revealed for Chester’s summer open air theatre

DETAILED plans for a “magical, unforgettable” open-air theatre were formally unveiled.

Politicians believe Chester’s economy and most bed and breakfasts Chester will be boosted by “at least £1m” by the theatre after it opens this summer.

Cheshire West council leader Mike Jones said the 350-seat Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre would be a “magical, unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike”.

The council is backing the project to the tune of £100,000 as part of its ambition to see Chester crowned City of Culture in 2017.

Cllr Jones said: “We also see this as a significant step towards delivering our ambition of a permanent theatre for Chester.”

Grosvenor Park will stage its first season from July 15 to August 8 with performances of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and a new family play, Hercules.
It is hoped the open-air arena will host up to 10,000 theatregoers, bringing a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

The summer theatre is horseshoe- shaped with terrace seats surrounding the stage and an area in front where audiences to enjoy picnics.

The intention is actors and musicians will mingle and perform among the audience, creating an enclosed, bustling space.
Organisers hope the intimate setting should create a close connection between the actors and the audience.

Andrew Bentley, director of Chester Performs, said: “The season of open air theatre is particularly unique – both the stage and entire auditorium are uncovered.
“Being outdoors in the glorious setting of Grosvenor Park will be an integral part of the experience, which we hope audiences will embrace.”
Cllr Richard Short, executive member for culture, said Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre represented the council’s investment in Chester’s cultural life and its bid to improve it.
Martin Bocking, of Chester-based architects Lovelock Mitchell, which designed the theatre, said: “We wanted to ensure the design was part of the park.
“Inspired by the backdrop of the ruins of St John’s church and the beauty of Grosvenor Park, we have created a sympathetic, natural setting.”
Picnic spaces are situated on the grass and audiences can bring their own deck chairs, picnic blankets and food to eat before and during the show.
The terraces have raised wooden bench- style seats, with cushions available to hire from the theatre.

If you’re looking to stay over have a look at our cheap Chester Hotels

TICKETS for Grosvenor Park Open-Air Theatre are on sale now. Terrace seats are available from £10, picnic spaces £18. Book now online at http://www.chesterperforms.com or by calling the ticket line on 0843 208 0500.

For a Chester Central hotel call 01244 351900

Source: Liverpool Echo

Of all the places to stay in Chester, could ours be the best for hopeful parents?

It’s been an exciting 12 months here at the Coach House. Firstly we became a luxury Chester city centre hotel receiving a 4 star rating from the AA, and secondly we won the Gold award for best use of local produce at the Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival. Accolades aside, we’ve also taken great pleasure in welcoming 5 beautiful bouncing babies within the year!.

In December Diana welcomed Baby Aaron, Sonja’s little girl Libby followed a few months later and in a little over 2 weeks head chef James is expecting his first child, he is yet unnamed but will surely be a well fed little boy!. It seems the baby boom isn’t just confined to the Coach House staff either, even director Neil became a grandfather recently when daughter Katherine gave birth to a tiny baby girl, Emily.
Of all the places to stay in Chester, perhaps ours is the best for hopeful parents, and maybe the real secret behind our award winning menus could be their aphrodisiac properties? (there’s only one way to find out!)

So congratulations to all our new parents at the Coach House, and let’s hope the forthcoming 12 months at our best hotel in Chester will be equally eventful.

May Day Mayhem - Take a chester holiday this Weekend!

May Day Bank Holiday Events - Attractions Chester

Tantalise your tastebuds:

May sees the start of the new ‘Taste of Chester’ Walking Tours which take place every Thurs and Saturday until the end of October.
Combining 2,000 years of fascinating history with samples of local produce from around the region this tour is a great introduction to the delights that Chester and Cheshire have to offer.

And for the morbidly curious…

‘Chester the Ghost City’ - Walking Tour of Chester Departs Town Hall Visitor Information Centre 7.30pm 1st May
Phone: 01244 405626

Bag a bargain this Bank holiday at the Countess of Chester Hospital chester holiday Car Boot Sale from 6am on the 2nd
Phone: 01244 366240

Fancy a bit of culture?

Check out the ‘Modern Painters: Contemporary Art’ exhibition at the Grosvenor Museum (runs until the end of June)
Phone: 01244 402008

National Trust Member?

Tatton Park presents Cultivate and Celebrate: Treasures of the Kitchen Garden

Tatton’s artist in residence, Christine Wilcox-Baker, serves up five seasons of original work inspired by the Kitchen Garden and Mansion. 
This spring exhibition marks the culmination of her year-long residency at the historic estate in Cheshire East and runs from 28th March to 3rd May 2010. 
Christine’s exhibition showcases a stunning range of work inspired by the relationship between Tatton’s Victorian Kitchen Garden and the Mansion house. 
For Christine, a bean flower is as beautiful as a tulip, a potato plant in full bloom as pleasing as a rose.

Phone: 01625 374400

Chester Cathedral events over the weekend include:

Annual Plant Sale in the Cathedral Cloisters:

A wonderful chance to stock up on plants at just the right time of year! Cakes, jams and hand-carved wooden items will be also be on sale on Saturday 1 May. Free entry

‘The Phantom of The Opera’  Sat May 1st in the Nave.

A special showing on the big screen of the iconic 1925 silent film ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin, produced by Carl Laemmle.
The film will be accompanied by improvisation at the organ by the world renowned performer, David Briggs.

VIP Tickets, including front row seat and a post concert reception with David Briggs £20.00
Nave £12.50
West Steps £10.00

And for the Kids…

Visit Beeston Castle between 10am and 6pm for their Fairy Family Fun Trail. Concealed within the castle grounds are mini model Victorian fairies who promise a fun sticker to those who can find them.
Adult: £5.30
Concession: £4.50
Child:£2.70

For the Early risers amongst us, kick start your Saturday with…

‘Breakfast and Dawn Chorus’ walk at Chester Zoo

The walk starts at 5.00am and includes a bird watching walk around the site with Zoo staff, a local expert and a flask of hot tea! This will be followed by a full English breakfast in Oakfield Manor, one of the hotels near Chester Zoo with the event concluding at 10.00am.  Please meet at the main entrance. £19.95 per person to include breakfast.

And don’t forget to check availability at our hotel Chester city if you want somewhere to stay.

Enjoy !

The next installment from the ‘Old Poacher’ our hotel chester resident canine gossip mongerer!

Well we have had an interesting week at our little hotel Chester, we had a group of visitors from Castletown Rugby Club in the Isle of Man over for the Chester Tournament and they all had a great time at lunch on Friday last before taking in the Sale v Newcastle game in Stockport.

Continuing the Rugby theme one of our chefs also helped to support the St Georges Day luncheon at Burnage Rugby Club in Manchester whose members often come for our bed & breakfast Chester and once again a great time was had by all.

This week sees our hotel accommodation Chester go live on Laterooms.com which should make it easier for guests to book a hotel room Chester with us, we’ve had a fair few bookings already which has visibly excited the staff, but although this is a good step forward, customers can of course can still book directly by telephone or email.

There are moves afoot to see if we can increase our outside seating area in order to support the anticipated influx of tourists during various Chester Festivals this summer as well as providing an improved facility for visitors and our regular customers.

This week will see the first prize winner in our Chill Out Friday business card draw. The lucky winner will receive a £50 drinks account to spend over the bar. It’s not too late to get your card in the draw, just visit us between 4pm and 8pm this Friday and deposit your business card in the ice bucket for a chance to win. April’s draw will be made at 8pm in the bar but if you can’t make it before then there is always next month.  We have also increased our free nibbles on offer at Chill Out Fridays which has proved very popular with the regulars, it’s a shame I can’t get my gnashers on them, they look yummy.

Anyway it looks like it’s going to be a great summer with the Chester Racing Festival starting next week and with all of the other exiting activities taking place this year. I will keep you posted. Watch out for the marketing team’s Bank Holiday blog which should be published tomorrow to let you know all the events in Chester over the weekend.

On a final note, I am pleased to say that Chris is doing well after his stay in hospital.

Yours faithfully

Old Poacher

27.4.10.

Up un’ Under – Theatre | Saturday 8th – Saturday 15th May 2010 | Forum Studio Theatre

Good Will Tip Top Productions Chester Performs
Chester Performs Season Extra:
Up un’ Under
Tip Top Productions

If you fancy a trip to watch ‘Up un’ Under’ then you’ll need to find yourself a fantastic hotel near Chester. The Coach House is a budget hotel Chester, which is a perfectly placed for a pre performance meal and a great place to finish the night after the play.

The story revolves around a bet on a rugby league match.

Our hero, Arthur, drawn into the situation by some hilariously macho nonsense, has to coach a team chosen by Reg, coach of local top dogs The Cobbler’s Arms.

Naturally Reg chooses a team that has experienced less success than most of England’s national sports teams..combined: Reg chooses The Wheatsheaf Arms.

The story follows Arthur’s attempts to kick this ragged bunch of misfits into some kind of shape. It’s clearly going to be a difficult task. Anybody who has played amateur sport will probably be cringing inwardly at these scenes.
Training for The Wheatsheaf Arms consists of little more than trading banter in the changing room and exercising their arms lifting pints in the pub.

These are the kind of set-pieces that explain why John Godber is so good at what he does. You can’t help but laugh at the comedy, but at the same time you’re aware it’s also functioning as social comment.
As training goes from bad worse, Arthur enlists the help of fitness guru, Hazel, which certainly helps to inspire the players to greater heights, or at least turn up for training.

As the big game against The Cobbler’s Arms draws ever closer the team are transformed into a lean, mean, rugby league playing team who fear nobody. The big day arrives for Arthur and his team and the match is recreated brilliantly on stage.

Cast:
Frank Rowley
Arthur Hoyle
Reg Welsh
Hazel Scott
Phil Hopley
Tony Burtoft
Steve Edwards

Production Team
Director: Marian Newman

Tickets:
Saturday 8th May 2010, 7.30pm £10 /£8
Monday 10th May 2010, 7.30pm £10 /£8 2 For 1
Tuesday 11th May 2010, 7.30pm £10 /£8
Wednesday 12th May 2010, 7.30pm £10 /£8
Thursday 13th May 2010, 7.30pm £10 /£8
Friday 14th May 2010, 7.30pm all tickets £10
Saturday 15th May 2010, 2.30pm all tickets £6
Saturday 15th May 2010, 7.30pm all tickets £10

Doors Open 2.00pm, 7.00pm

Please note that the “Two for One” offer can not be booked online. Please call the Box Office to take advantage of this deal.

Venue:
The Forum Studio Theatre
Hamilton Place
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2BH

Looking for Hotel Chester City Centre?

New Afternoon Tea Menu

We’re very excited to announce that from Monday you can enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea here at The Coach House Chester. We’re sure that cheap Chester hotels don’t offer anywhere near our level of service at such a great location.

Just like another well-known hotel near Chester we’ll be using the local produce that we are famous for and the freshest pastries and cakes.

Served between 2.30pm and 5.30pm daily and with the option to make it even more special with a glass of Champagne, it’s set to become one of the best in Chester!

I can’t think of anything better than to relax with an afternoon tea and watch the world go by in our historic Chester central hotel

Afternoon Tea Menu

...I have heard the staff saying the volcano is creating extra interest for a stay in Chester…

Well hello folks, I am the Old Poacher, and I take residence in a prime spot just above the bar of the Coach House which puts me in a unique position to observe all the day to day happenings of the establishment.

Given my exclusive viewpoint, I thought it would be only fair to keep you all informed from time to time…

The Coach House is one of the most outstanding hotels in Chester situated in the historic Town Hall Square and I certainly see all the comings and goings from my vantage point as well as hear about everything that’s going on. There has, for instance, been much excitement amongst the staff this week after winning the gold award for the ‘Best Use of Local Produce on a Menu’ at the 2010 Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival Gala Dinner. They are now eagerly awaiting a visit from the mystery diner, a representative of Visit Chester and Cheshire as apparently they have been shortlisted for the ‘Food and Drink Venue of the Year’ award.

Now, I may be known as the Old Poacher but my senses are still razor sharp. So while the staff will be oblivious as to when the mystery diner is in our midsts, I will have sniffed them out a mile off!

Other shortlisters for this award include Robert Kisby’s Cabbage Hall, Bar Lounge, Residence in Nantwich and Panacea - illustrious company indeed, and not bad for a Chester central hotel.  Rumour has it; the winners will be announced at the sixth Visit Chester & Cheshire Annual Awards ceremony, at Chester Racecourse on Friday 11th June 2010.

I have also heard the staff saying that the volcano in Iceland is creating extra interest for those wanting to stay in Chester, there are some people who should have been going abroad who have had to change their plans or are stranded around the UK and feeling the need for a little luxury. The forthcoming general election has also altered some of the hotel bookings as the guests can no longer make it on Election Day, however, as it falls during the Chester race festival there are no problems for small luxury hotels in Chester like ours.

Anyway enough for now I would just like to wish Chris, a customer and good friend all the best with his forthcoming stay in hospital.

Old Poacher

The Coach House Hotel Chester will host first round of the 2010 World Town Crier Tournament - Oyez!

CHESTER is to host the third World Town Crier Tournament in June which will see thousands of visitors pour into the city providing a huge boost to the local economy.
Organised by Chester Renaissance alongside Chester’s own champion Town Crier, David Mitchell, the event will see as many as 40 town criers arrive for a week-long festival during which there will be three days of fierce competition.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Richard Short says he is delighted to be able to support the event which will provide a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

MORE than 40 town criers from around the globe will descend on Chester including participants from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as many other European countries.  It is guaranteed to bring thousands of visitors to the City.

In the first round sponsored by The Coach House Hotel in Chester each town crier will cry three times before the best 12 are selected to compete in the final.

The second round, sponsored by Northgate Church, will take place on Thursday, June 17 with entrants proclaiming the attractions of their home towns.
Each crier will be marked on five different categories including, volume and clarity of cry, diction and inflection, which is pitch, confidence and bearing, content of cry and finally how they engage with the audience.

The final will take place outside the Town Hall on Saturday, June 19, where 12 finalists will be chosen to make their last and final cries.

The Chester World Town Crier Tournament is a free Chester Holiday event that is part of Chestival, the city’s new cultural extravaganza running from the 11th June until July 14th.

A little about Chestival…

Chestival is the festival that celebrates Chester’s best bits, bringing the streets, buildings and parks of Chester alive for 33 days and nights.

This ‘festival first’ has something for everyone, including a Roman weekend, the Halfords bike tour, the Midsummer Watch and Giant Parade, Rhino mania with up to 70 fabulously decorated Rhinos stampeding the streets of Chester, and the spectacular outdoor Chester Music Festival.

Full dates and this year’s programme will be available on the Chestival website soon. Please contact the booking department for details of our hotel accommodation Chester during the festival.

Article source: Chester Chronicle

4 Star Status awarded to The Coach House Hotel

We are delighted to announce our Hotel Chester has 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.

We’re not sure about any other hotel Chester city or discount hotels Chester if they’ve received this type of award, but we’re extremely happy to have this status.

Combine a stay at The Coach House with these fabulous offers from Mankind Chester

Glyndŵr University Students admire our architecture!

Chester is an historic city completely encircled by city walls, featuring the 13th Century ‘Rows,’ an incredible gothic Cathedral and Britain’s largest Roman Ampitheatre, which makes it the perfect city for a bit of exploring mixed with some shopping on the side! Why not visit the best hotel in Chester.

Last week we had a field trip from Glyndŵr University in North Wales, who whilst visiting all these tourist hotspots, came into our accounts office in Shipgate Street for a nosey at our lovely old building! They admired our beautiful original beams, kindly posed for a photo, and then headed up to Northgate Street to check out the Hotels Chester and our very own Coach House. Which if you didn’t know already, is built on the original site of a 16th century coaching inn.

So if you’re looking at luxury hotels Chester for a break, then visit the Coach House

Roman Invasion

CHESTER is set to fall under the shadows of the Roman legions once again as it experiences a Roman invasion this summer – on a scale that has never before been seen within the UK.

On Saturday, June 12, Chester will be taken back over 19 centuries to AD110 and the height of the Roman age, for the two day event.

So Stay Chester for the Roman Weekend which will give visitors and residents the chance to see, hear and feel the excitement and anticipation of how Chester was in Roman times.
There will be gladiator fights within the newly refurbished amphitheatre, recreation of Roman structures, crafts, archaeology and historical traders to bring the city back to life as it was when Romans walked the streets.

The city and some Cheap Hotels in Chester are set to come alive with music and dance as performers take over the city, dancing and playing instruments that have been influenced by cultures throughout the Roman Empire.

Paul Harston, of Roman Tours UK, said the company was “hugely excited and proud” to be organising the Roman Weekend.

He added: “Chester is well known for its Roman history and visitors the world over are attracted to our museums and historical sites.
“By bringing the Roman age alive once again within the city, we aim to bring visitors back to Chester to experience a historical re-enactment that will really wow everyone and keep people talking about it for weeks to come. If you know your Roman history, I guarantee you’ll be really impressed!”

Chester’s Roman Weekend is the opening weekend of Chestival and caters for both adults and children alike.

The Roman Weekend starts at 11am on Saturday, June 12, and events throughout the whole weekend will be completely free.

For at deals on Hotel Chester City Centre call Coach House 01244 351900

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. All Hotels near Chester have been placed on red alert.

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. So if you’re planning a trip and looking for Hotels near Chester Zoo visit the Coach House.

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 a Quality hotel Chester while visiting the zoo? Try the Coach House

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. So if you’re an enthusiast but are looking for cheap accommodation Chester race month, visit the Coach House.
Chester Racecourse, Roodee Lodge, Chester, has once again helped to boost the local visitor economy and visitors to the city looking for a hotel room Chester. 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.”
So if you’re looking for a b&b Chester, but want style and luxury at an afforable price. Visit us at the Coach House hotel.

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 bed and breakfast Chester to stay during the occasion, The Coach House Chester hotel offers the perfect backdrop. Our Luxury hotel Chester is 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.
As a Family hotel Chester We’ve 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.

Pampering Breaks now available at The Coach House

Mankind Website

TASTE accreditation awarded to our luxury hotel Chester!

The Coach House doesn’t just provide our patrons with the best Bed and Breakfast Chester Our restaurant is 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 know as a Cheap Hotel in Chester and 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 or b & b Chester 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

Not your standard cheap Chester hotels or bed & breakfast Chester styling. 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

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

The Coach House Hotel and other hotels Chester City Centre want to publicise the Christmas Market. We’ve spoken to other B&Bs Chester and we can confirm 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)

So if you’re looking for Hotel Rooms Chester, visit our website.

Chester Christmas Markets

Our Hotel in Chester is so happy that the Italian Christmas Market is in town. The Coach House and other Chester b and b‘s are starting to feel the usual excitement about Christmas.
So 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!

Check our website for the latest Chester Hotel Offers

New Winter Menu Launch!

As with most other hotels offering Accommodation Chester It’s time for our Winter a la Carte Menu. We are not just a cheap hotel Chester allied with the Chester Zoo hotels group…Our patrons love our food.
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!

Looking for a Chester holiday... 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. 

So keep checking those Chester hotel reviews.

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.  Although she didn’t stay in Chester with us… 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.

Let’s hope if she wants to visit us again she should choose the Coach House or a hotel near Chester.

Hotel Now Open

Following a major refurbishment, the latest in a long line of Luxury Hotels Chester is now open to the public. The nine stunning bedroomed Coach House Hotel Chester is now open to the public.  All rooms have been individually designed and have en-suite facilities.  Double rooms start at £80 per night, including breakfast.

It’s fantastic for the Attractions Chester has to offer.

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.

Stay Chester invites you to visit our Our Coach House hotels Chester whether your looking to play Golf or simply visit our other fantastic attractions around town.