Welcome Booklet · Chester
Your home in the heart of Chester
Everything you need for a smooth, memorable stay — from the Wi-Fi to the very best plate of food within five minutes' walk.
A note from your hosts
We're so glad to have you at The Olive Press. This guide gathers our honest local recommendations — the places we actually send our own friends to.
Tucked into Bow Chambers on Frodsham Street, you're a short stroll from the Eastgate Clock, the Roman walls, the Cathedral and the River Dee. Scroll on, and make yourself at home.
— Your hosts at The Olive Press
The Practical Bits
Stay essentials
The handful of things worth knowing the moment you arrive.
Quick Facts
- Address
- Apartment C, Bow Chambers
- Check-in
- From 3:00 pm
- Check-out
- By 10:00 am
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 pm – 8:00 am
- Wi-Fi
- See card by the TV
Emergencies & Useful Numbers
- Emergency (999)
- Police · Fire · Ambulance
- NHS advice
- 111
- Non-emergency police
- 101
- Nearest A&E
- Countess of Chester Hospital
- Nearest pharmacy
- Boots, Eastgate St (3 min)
- Power cut
- 105
Train & Bus
Chester Station is a 10–12 min walk (direct to Liverpool, Manchester & London Euston). The Bus Interchange is just 3–4 min away.
Parking & Taxis
Q-Park Trinity Street (6 min) is closest & secure — pre-book online. For taxis, KingKabs (01244 343434) is Chester's largest firm, bookable 24/7 by phone or app.
Wi-Fi & Tech
The network & password are on the card by the TV. If it drops, switch the router off at the plug, wait 30 seconds, then back on.
A note on driving: Frodsham Street is partly pedestrianised with rising bollards — please don't drive in between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm without a permit. Drop-off is easiest at the Bus Interchange or on Hunter Street.
Two thousand years of history, on your doorstep
“Almost everything worth seeing is within ten minutes on foot.”
Where to Eat
The best tables within a short walk
Booking ahead is wise on Fridays and Saturdays. Swipe each row to browse →
Special Occasion
Worth dressing up for — book well ahead.
Fine dining5 min walk Oddfellows Chester
Theatrical fine dining in a Georgian townhouse hotel on Lower Bridge Street — the whimsical Secret Garden and Alice's Parlour make a real occasion.
Modern British5 min walk Joseph Benjamin
Intimate, ingredient-led modern British cooking on Northgate Street. A local favourite that punches well above its size.
Steakhouse5 min walk Upstairs at the Grill
A proper Manhattan-style steakhouse on Watergate Street — dry-aged beef, leather booths and a serious cocktail list.
Smart but Relaxed
Where we'd take friends on a Friday night.
Wine & small plates5 min walk Covino
Seasonal small plates and an exceptional, ever-changing wine list on Northgate Street — a Michelin Guide favourite. Go early or book.
Spanish tapas4 min walk Porta
Buzzy, no-bookings tapas bar on Northgate Street. Order the croquetas, the padrón peppers and a jug of something cold.
Bistro4 min walk The Chef's Table
A snug modern bistro tucked down Music Hall Passage. Short, confident menu and warm service.
Neighbourhood5 min taxi Sticky Walnut
Over the river in Hoole — the restaurant that put Chester's food scene on the map. Always worth the short hop.
Easy & Family-Friendly
Relaxed, generous and good with little ones.
American BBQ12 min walk Hickory's Smokehouse
Low-and-slow barbecue, colouring packs for the kids and bottomless soft drinks — right on the River Dee at The Groves.
Sharing plates5 min walk The Botanist
Lively, plant-filled rooms on St Werburgh Street, opposite the Cathedral. Hanging kebabs, cocktails and regular live music.
Gastropub10 min walk The Architect
Handsome gastropub overlooking the racecourse on Nicholas Street. Sunday roasts are excellent.
All-day brasserie4 min walk The Ivy Chester Brasserie
All-day glamour on Newgate Street — the Ivy Collection's lush botanical brasserie, from breakfast through to dinner.
Quick & Casual
Reliable bites when you don't want to think about it.
Noodles5 min walk Wok&Go
Chester-born noodle bar on Foregate Street — Thai, Malaysian and Japanese-inspired boxes to eat in or take away.
All-day5 min walk Barlounge
Relaxed all-day bar and kitchen on Watergate Street — small plates, stone-baked pizzas and a renowned Sunday roast.
French5 min walk Côte Brasserie
Brisk French classics and a good-value prix fixe on Bridge Street, by the Grosvenor.
Coffee & Brunch
Slow mornings, done right
From the cup around the corner to the brunch worth booking.
Around the corner1 min walk Bean & Cole
Family-run independent on Frodsham Street and in the Market — excellent flat whites, guest roasters and a tidy brunch.
Speciality6 min walk Jaunty Goat
Scandi-styled speciality coffee on Bridge Street, exposed Roman brick and a mostly-vegan brunch menu.
Coffee & ice cream5 min walk Bridge Street Coffee
Calm Nordic-style coffee house on Bridge Street, now paired with Snugburys ice cream.
Plant-based3 min walk The Pink Lettuce
A fully vegan kitchen up on the Rows — generous brunch plates, burgers and curries.
Brunch10 min walk Fïka+
Relaxed all-day brunch and pastries beside Grosvenor Park — lovely on a sunny morning.
Pubs, Bars & Late Nights
A drink to suit the evening
Traditional Pubs
Institution9 min walk The Albion Inn
Park Street. No children, no music, no chips — a wonderfully preserved Edwardian time capsule.
Real ale9 min walk The Brewery Tap
Cask ales served in a soaring 17th-century banqueting hall on Lower Bridge Street.
Canalside8 min walk Old Harkers Arms
Brunning & Price favourite right on the canal at Russell Street — books of beers and a fine menu.
Bars & Cocktails
Live music10 min walk Telford's Warehouse
Cavernous canalside bar with food and regular gigs — a Chester night-out staple.
Street food7 min walk Commonhall Social
Underground street-food hall and bar on Commonhall Street — something for everyone.
Speakeasy7 min walk Cavern of the Curious Gnome
A hidden cocktail den up on Bridge Street Row, above its sister wine bar Paysan. Look hard — that's rather the point.
Late night: Cruise (Northgate Street), Rosies (Northgate Street) and The Live Rooms (Station Road) cover most of the city's nightlife — all within ten minutes on foot. Please walk home quietly; neighbours sleep.
The Local's Guide
Things to see & do
The spots we'd point any first-time visitor towards — most of them free, all of them close.
The Roman Walls
Step straight onto the most complete city walls in Britain. The full loop is about two miles and an hour at a stroll.
Free entryChester Cathedral
A thousand years of architecture, a peaceful cloister café and a tower tour with views across to Wales.
Photo stopThe Eastgate Clock
Said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben. Climb the walls beside it for the classic shot.
MedievalThe Rows
Chester's unique two-tier covered galleries — shops stacked on shops, found nowhere else in the world.
CultureStoryhouse
Theatre, cinema, library and restaurant all under one roof — quite literally around the corner on Hunter Street.
RiversideThe Groves & River Dee
Bandstand, rowing boats and riverside strolls. Lovely on a warm evening with an ice cream.
HeritageChester Racecourse (The Roodee)
The oldest racecourse still in use in Britain. Check the fixture list — race days are a real event.
Day outChester Zoo
The UK's largest and most-loved zoo. Easily a full day — go early, especially in summer.
Free entryGrosvenor Museum
Roman tombstones, a period house and Chester's story under one roof — and free to enter.
Highly Rated · TripAdvisor & Local Picks
The Chester top 10s
Curated from the spots that rate highest with guests and on TripAdvisor — not a live scrape, just honest picks. Swipe each row to browse →
Top 10 things to do
The city's most-loved sights.- Free entry
4 min walk Chester Cathedral
A thousand years of architecture and a peaceful cloister café.
- Medieval
3 min walk The Rows
Two-tier covered galleries found nowhere else on earth.
- Day out
20 min by bus Chester Zoo
The UK's largest zoo — tens of thousands of animals across 125 acres.
- Free · Iconic
1 min walk The Roman Walls
The most complete city walls in Britain — a two-mile loop.
- Photo stop
4 min walk The Eastgate Clock
Said to be England's most photographed clock after Big Ben.
- Riverside
15 min walk The Groves & River Dee
Bandstand, rowing boats and gentle riverside strolls.
Free · Roman6 min walk Chester Roman Amphitheatre
The largest Roman amphitheatre uncovered in Britain.
- Culture
2 min walk Storyhouse
Theatre, cinema and library under one roof, around the corner.
- Heritage
12 min walk Chester Racecourse (The Roodee)
The oldest racecourse still in use in Britain.
- Free entry
7 min walk Grosvenor Museum
Roman tombstones and a period house — free to enter.
Top 10 day trips
Worth straying a little further for.
City45 min by train Liverpool
Waterfront, world-class museums and The Beatles.
Mountains1–1.5 hr by car Snowdonia / Eryri
Peaks, lakes and big walks in the heart of Wales.
Castle & coast1 hr by train Conwy
A near-perfect medieval castle and walled harbour town.
City1 hr by train Manchester
Shopping, galleries and serious nightlife.
Seaside1 hr 15 by train Llandudno
Grand Victorian promenade, pier and the Great Orme.
Shopping15 min by car Cheshire Oaks
The UK's largest designer outlet village.
Gardens1 hr by car Bodnant Garden
Eighty acres of world-famous gardens above the Conwy valley.
UNESCO50 min by car Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Cross Telford's breathtaking canal aqueduct near Llangollen.
Heritage village40 min by car Port Sunlight
A storybook model village and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
Castle & views35 min by car Beeston Castle
Cliff-top ruins with sweeping views across the Cheshire plain.
Top 10 restaurants
Where Chester eats best.- Modern British
5 min walk Joseph Benjamin
Ingredient-led modern British cooking on Northgate Street.
- Neighbourhood
5 min taxi Sticky Walnut
The Hoole bistro that put Chester's food scene on the map.
- Wine & small plates
5 min walk Covino
Small plates and a brilliant wine list — a Michelin Guide pick.
- Spanish tapas
4 min walk Porta
Buzzy, no-bookings tapas on Northgate Street.
- Steakhouse
5 min walk Upstairs at the Grill
A proper Manhattan-style steakhouse on Watergate Street.
- Bistro
4 min walk The Chef's Table
Short, confident menu down Music Hall Passage.
- Fine dining
5 min walk Oddfellows
Theatrical dining in a Georgian townhouse hotel.
- All-day brasserie
4 min walk The Ivy Chester Brasserie
All-day glamour and botanical interiors on Newgate Street.
- American BBQ
12 min walk Hickory's Smokehouse
Low-and-slow barbecue right on the River Dee.
- Gastropub
10 min walk The Architect
Handsome gastropub overlooking the racecourse.
Top coffee & brunch
Chester's best cups and brunches.- Independent
1 min walk Bean & Cole
Family-run independent on Frodsham Street and in the Market.
- Speciality
6 min walk Jaunty Goat
Scandi-styled speciality coffee with a mostly-vegan brunch.
- Coffee & ice cream
5 min walk Bridge Street Coffee
Calm Nordic coffee house, now paired with Snugburys ice cream.
Speciality6 min walk Obscure Coffee
A tiny, much-loved coffee gem on Lower Bridge Street.
Botanical café5 min walk The Flower Cup
A plant-filled coffee shop up on Watergate Row.
- Brunch
10 min walk Fïka+
Relaxed all-day brunch beside Grosvenor Park.
- Plant-based
3 min walk The Pink Lettuce
A fully vegan kitchen up on the Rows.
Turkish café5 min walk Pars Kahve
Turkish coffee, mezze breakfasts and a little bazaar on Watergate Row.
Top pubs
Historic inns and proper locals.- Institution
9 min walk The Albion Inn
A wonderfully preserved Edwardian time capsule.
- Real ale
9 min walk The Brewery Tap
Cask ales in a soaring 17th-century banqueting hall.
- Canalside
8 min walk Old Harkers Arms
Brunning & Price favourite right on the canal.
Tudor landmark8 min walk The Bear & Billet
One of England's finest 17th-century timber-framed inns.
Historic inn7 min walk Ye Olde Kings Head
A 1622 Tudor inn — beams, fires and a few resident ghosts.
Brewpub5 min walk The Pied Bull
Chester's oldest coaching inn, with its own micro-brewery.
Historic3 min walk The Boot Inn
A 17th-century pub on the Rows, built from old ship's timbers.
Local6 min walk The Marlborough Arms
A friendly, characterful proper Chester local.
Top bars & speakeasies
Cocktails, craft beer and hidden dens.- Live music
10 min walk Telford's Warehouse
Cavernous canalside bar with food and regular gigs.
- Street food
7 min walk Commonhall Social
Underground street-food hall and bar.
- Speakeasy
5 min walk Cavern of the Curious Gnome
A hidden cocktail den up on Bridge Street Row.
Speakeasy6 min walk Prohibition
A 1920s speakeasy on Watergate Street with live jazz.
- Cocktails
5 min walk Barlounge
Chester's original cocktail bar — open since 2000.
Craft beer5 min walk Beer Heroes
A craft-beer tap room and bottle shop under Watergate Row.
Cocktails5 min walk Kuckoo
Playful rock-'n'-roll cocktail bar on Watergate Street.
Wine bar5 min walk Paysan
A rustic French wine bar — sister to the Curious Gnome.
Curated To-Do Lists
Tick your way through Chester
Hand-picked itineraries for every mood. Tap a step to check it off as you go — swipe between plans →
Shops & Essentials
- 1 min
Tesco Express
Frodsham Street — groceries, open late.
- 1 min
Iceland
Frodsham Street — frozen & essentials.
- 4 min
Sainsbury's Local
Foregate Street.
- 3 min
Boots Pharmacy
Eastgate Street — chemist & toiletries.
- 3 min
H Beauty by Harrods
Eastgate Row — Harrods' beauty hall, fragrance & a champagne bar.
- 4 min
Chester Market
Exchange Square, off Northgate — butchers, bakers, street food and fresh produce.
- 3 min
The Rows & Grosvenor Centre
Eastgate / Bridge Street — main shopping.
Easy Day Trips
- 45 min by train
Liverpool
Waterfront, museums and The Beatles.
- 15 min by car / no. 1 bus
Cheshire Oaks
The UK's largest designer outlet.
- 1 hr by train
Conwy & the coast
A perfect medieval castle and harbour.
- 1–1.5 hr by car
Snowdonia / Eryri
Mountains, lakes and big walks.
- 1 hr by train
Manchester
Shopping, galleries and nightlife.
House rules
- No smoking or vaping anywhere indoors.
- No parties or unregistered extra guests.
- Please keep noise down between 10 pm and 8 am.
- Lock the door and close the windows when you go out.
- Tell us about any breakages straight away — we'd far rather know.
Check-out checklist
- 1.Strip the bed linen and leave it in a pile (towels too).
- 2.Run the dishwasher, or wash up.
- 3.Empty the bins and take the bags out.
- 4.Close all windows and turn off the heating.
- 5.Turn off the lights and the oven.
- 6.Lock up and return the key as instructed.