Posted 20 04 2010 in:

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