Chester would not be the vibrant city that it is without its Roman, Norman, Tudor and Victorian architecture, and the Hotel Indigo® Chester embraces this illustrious history. Our hotel is in the centre of Chester, a short walk from the oldest racecourse in the country, the iconic Eastgate Clock and the oldest, longest and best-preserved city walls in the UK, built at a time when Chester was the site of the Roman fortress Deva Victrix. On our doorstep are 16th-century buildings in the Rows and the award-winning Storyhouse Theatre. Inside, there are three room themes that reflect the city's heritage — the racecourse, the Eastgate Clock and the local architecture. Visitors can marvel at the views of the Welsh mountains and Grosvenor Park from our fourth-floor balcony. Feeling peckish? Wood Chester, our fine-dining restaurant by local Masterchef winner Simon Wood, is sure to quell your hunger.
Chester has always been the pride of northwest England. Even long ago, it was among the most important settlements for the Romans, Tudors and Victorians. Named the Rows, you can't miss the striking black-and-white-striped Tudor shopfronts on the long main street. And the Eastgate Clock, designed by a local architect in the 19th century to rival Big Ben, towers above. Chester is also home to the UK's oldest racecourse, a castle built by William the Conqueror in 1066, and ancient city walls. Of course, the people of Chester make our city, performing open-air Mystery Plays in Grosvenor Park, showcasing their arts in the Playhouse Theatre and filling the many bars and restaurants every day of the year.
Head to our on-site restaurant to sample some of Cheshire's tastiest dishes. The brainchild of Masterchef champion Simon Wood, the restaurant offers an array of tasty a la carte, theatre and tasting menus daily, accompanied by paired wines. The menus combine local ingredients with style and creativity, and the seven-course tasting menu is an experience to savour.
One of the city's most popular tapas restaurants, Porta is the place to be on Friday and Saturday evenings, set under the ancient city walls. Order the a juicy seared pork shoulder with zingy mojo verde and romesco sauce-smothered broccoli, along with a glass of dry, nutty La Gitana Manzanilla sherry and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.
Within weeks of opening, Chester's most popular Polish cafe had established itself as a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Pierogi specialises in just two Eastern European main dishes: hearty soups and a variety of tasty and filling dumplings. Make sure you leave room for a dessert of sweet cheese curd and dumplings.
Named after head chef Jose and front-of-house Ben, this award-winning casual bistro boasts a rolling menu of fresh, quality dishes that make use of the world's tastiest ingredients. Locals visit Joseph Benjamin for a hearty breakfast, a lunchtime sandwich, or an evening meal, including squid ink risotto and sea bass, and the cakes are worth staying around for, too.
The Eastgate Clock is a symbol of Chester, towering over the streets and offering spectacular views from what was once the entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix. The clock, designed in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, is said to be the most photographed clock in the country after Big Ben.
Chester's racecourse is the oldest in the UK, dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII — and horseracing has taken place here almost continuously since. Race weekends bring people together from across the country. When you aren't watching the “gee-gees" – a term for horses coined here – the course offers uninterrupted views of the ancient city walls.
Spanning two miles, Chester's city walls have formed a complete circuit around the city centre since Medieval times. These are the most complete defensive walls in the country and are listed as a registered monument. Almost every section of the wall is Grade 1 listed, and the views over the city and further afield are unforgettable.
The Rows, as they are known, are an iconic Chester sight. These white-and-black-striped, two-storey buildings line the high street. The balconied second floors are unique to the city, and some of the shops behind these 13th-century facades have been owned by the same families for centuries. The stone ceilings inside are unmistakable.
The Storyhouse is Chester's largest theatre complex, with a library, restaurant, two bars and a cinema. Recently restored, the 1930s former Odeon cinema building has won many awards since its opening. The 800-seat auditorium, 150-seat studio theatre and 100-seat boutique cinema attract musical acts from across Chester and the country throughout the year.
The magnificent Chester Cathedral, some of which dates back to 1093, is a major attraction in the city for both its architecture and musical legacy. The cathedral and nave choirs are the oldest of their kind in the country. The cathedral grand organ, fitted in 1876 by Charles Whiteley, can be heard every Thursday throughout the year.
Chester's most famous Victorian park hosts an open-air theatre for eight weeks in the summer months. There, well-loved performances are held in a theatre called The Round, which is reconstructed in the park each year. The repertoire often includes two Shakespeare plays and a popular children's performance.
The Live Rooms is Chester's newest and largest independent music venue. It attracts the biggest names in the industry, from rock to pop, goth metal to country. The venue includes the main stage, a smaller stage for local bands and a VIP balcony area overlooking the main hall.
Stylish Boardroom for up to 12 guests with Large Flat screen TV with HDMI connection and WIFI connection. Complimentary note pads, pencils, stationary and Flip chart and pens. Breaks and Lunch can be supplied by Wood Chester restaurant.