Restaurant in Chester at the Top of the Pile

Posted on December 18, 2013 by chadmin

There are so many exquisite places of dining in Chester that it can sometimes be a case of being spoiled for choice. One restaurant in Chester which has come in for glittering praise though is Upstairs at the Grill.

With its charming interior which is transatlantic in aesthetics, there’s a certain aura to this burgeoning restaurant as soon as you walk through the door. It’s this kind of splendour which has seen it placed 7th in a list of the best restaurants throughout the U.K.

Top Table is a site dedicated to dining enthusiasts who can share their opinions on various establishments throughout the country. Realising how pithy online reviewers can be, it’s a sure statement of the quality of Upstairs at the Grill.

Specialising in steak, Upstairs offer you your meal to your exact requirements of colouring and cooking. Only the best and most elite beef is sourced to be on your plate which goes superbly with a glass of a little something from the special wine menu.

Beaten out by the likes of Gordon Ramsay, the marketing manager, Jennie Grimes, could have no complaints at the end of the day saying: “It is testament to the hard work that goes in to making sure diners have a memorable experience with us.

“Everyone works so hard – from the owners, to those in the kitchen, to our waiters and waitresses. They all play a huge part in our success.

“This news can only be a good thing for the Chester area. We have seen this list appear in foreign newspapers and websites in places such as India and Germany and any positive publicity we can create for the city is great.”

“We are all very proud.”

Beating out the likes of Chester is quite the achievement for this small eatery from the Chester area and its success is sure to be built on for the future with more accolades bound to follow.

Chester Lantern Parade a Success

Posted on December 4, 2013 by chadmin

A previous highlight of the annual Chester calendar continued to be so as 2013’s edition of this highly popular event for the whole family proved to be a fantastic night for all.

One of the most traditional aspects of Christmas is the lighting of lanterns to signify special meanings for the year that’s passed. This was something that schoolchildren from all over the area were enjoying as they traversed the streets with their very own brilliant lanterns.

Primary schools from all over were very into the proceedings with many of them displaying some really advanced designs to the amazement of adults and parents who were delighted to see their child walk past in the parade.

Schools such as Chester Bluecoat, the Arches, Tarporley, Horn’s Mill and Cherry Grove were all delighted to be a part of the community occasion which has found a soft spot in many hearts for many years over Christmas time.

The kids navigated their creations all the way from Town Hall Square before travelling to St Werburgh Street via the iconic cathedral and finally onto the Cross. Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Jill Holbrook, then switched the lights on at the impressive Christmas tree; much to the delight of all young walkers.

To prepare the young artists for the grand event, respected artist Russell Kirk has been giving them workshops on how to make the perfect lantern in coalition with various members of the artistic side of Chester Council. The work evidently paid off as there were some truly outstanding lanterns which ranged from all shapes and size but each and every one was unique.

Cllr Stuart Parker was delighted at the end result:“The Lantern Parade is always a favourite with late night shoppers and is a fantastic community event.

“Local primary school children get involved in both the artistic side of producing the lanterns and in the performance on the night – bringing a special event to the city.”

“lantern parade” by www.flickr.com/photos/mjtmail/

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

10 Facts About Chester

Posted on December 2, 2013 by chadmin

Everyone who’s ever stepped foot in Chester will undoubtedly have been blown away by its sheer beauty and fantastic sights. It should come as no surprise then that it made 5^th place on a list of Europe’s best-looking cities.

To commemorate this achievement, here are some facts about Chester that you may not have known about.

Chester used to be known as ‘Deva’ back when the Romans had a settlement back in 79 AD. It was used as a fortress and was once of the largest throughout Britain.
It’s lasted the years and is claimed to be the best preserved walled city throughout Britain as there are little lapses in the quality throughout the town walls.
St Werburgh is the patron saint Chester. He had a massive impact on convent reform for the whole of England.
Although welcoming to all cultures in this day and age, the Chester of 1403 was a no-go for any people from Wales. Henry V ordered that they all be banished from its grounds or suffer execution.
The magnificent Chester Cathedral is the most popular tourist attraction all throughout the North West region and is a place of respected worship.
A stroll will undoubtedly allow you to come across the Roman amphitheatre: a major attraction which used to seat 7000 spectators. It is the largest of its ilk in the country.
A hard to miss venue is the Chester Racecourse which is also the oldest of its kind and also a sporting venue in general. 1539 saw the first race taking placing there with many more years of competition to follow.
Chester’s Rows are unique in that they are present in all four of the city’s main streets and cannot be found elsewhere in the world; a definite walking opportunity if ever there was one.
As of 2011, 118,200 people resided in Chester with them being varied across all kinds of background but with the majority claiming Christianity as their religious belief.
King Arthur is reputed to have taken part in a bloody battle within the city.

Things to Do in Chester

Posted on November 20, 2013 by chadmin

There are so many attractions in Chester that you’d be amazed at the variety of things to do and see. From animal parks to cathedrals, take a look at some of the top places to be from the list compiled below.

Chester Zoo

One of the biggest and best zoos all over the country, Chester Zoo draws the crowds and it’s little surprise when you consider how much fascination fun you can get up to.

As the UK’s largest charity based zoo, this enclosure has a wide array of exotic and regional animals for your amazement. The cheeky chimps are always a great draw which is apparent when you consider at least 1.4 million people visit each year!

The only times when this much-loved zoo isn’t open is on Christmas and Boxing Day and with such wonder to be found, make sure you take a walk on the wild side as soon as you can.

Chester Racecourse

A favourite amongst the rich and famous, Chester Racecourse has plenty of thrills but hopefully no spills to take your interest.

The grand stage couldn’t be a more perfect place to hold horse racing and it’s obvious as soona s you walk through the entrance to this famed course. Adjacent to the historic Roman walls, jockeys do battle over the superb green and there are events held there regularly.

With superb facilities to boot, those in the gambling mood should give Chester Racecourse a punt very soon.

Chester Roman Gardens

As a region, Chester has always had it fair share of historians traipsing its mythos and this is all down to the variety of monuments to its previous inhabitants: the mighty Romans of old.

The Chester Roman Gardens offer not only a picturesque setting but one that will endear the inner Tony Robinson in all of us down to the fascinating and charming information points dotted all over this historic landmark.

These locations are just a sample of what the great area has to offer. To unearth all of its hidden gems, nooks and crannies, the only thing to do is to explore Chester!

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“Chester Zoo” by www.flickr.com/photos/zooeurope

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Olympian to Light Up Christmas

Posted on November 13, 2013 by chadmin

One of Chester’s all-time famous daughters is set to return to the city for some local festivities this year when Beth Tweddle gets the Christmas party started.

As well as being a medal-winning Olympian, Ms. Tweddle had a stint on Dancing On Ice and wowed the judges with her moves as she dazzled on the rink in front of a packed audience every Saturday night.

Now, she will be making a return to the historic city of Chester to be a part of the lights being turned on at the 24ft Christmas tree as well as having the privilege of officially opening the ice rink. With this and so much more to look forward to, the Christmas Parade of Light will be a rea cracker.

Spectacular sights abound as the parade makes its way through the sure to be packed town market all the way to the Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse. With the inspiration behind the parade being fairy tales, the Queen of Light will be guiding her troupe throughout the city as they all regale and get you in the Christmas spirit.

Dancers and lantern holders from local schools will relish the opportunity to be alongside Santa Claus on his sleigh as he delights the audience with his merry wishes. The real show begins when the group finally arrives at the Winter Wonderland though.

Visitors will be treated to so much fine entertainment with ice skaters, choirs and a sample of the brilliant Snow Queen: a definite must for any theatre-goer in the area. Local celebrities Indigo City will be bringing their girl band glamour to the stage too in what will be another step on the ladder for the promising young act.

With free admission for all, there’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit this November than in Chester this 21^st of November.

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“christmas tree in midtown” by www.flickr.com/photos/bonkura32design/

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en_GB

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra

Posted on November 6, 2013 by chadmin

One of the most beloved music forms comes to life in the grand town of Chester this November and it’s guaranteed to be a truly remarkable evening of entertainment.

The very of definition of ‘philharmonic ‘ is a “devotion to or appreciation of music” which is precisely the kind of spirit each and every member of the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will be channelling when they take to the stage at Chester Cathedral on the 16^th of November.

The unenviable task of curating an eclectic range of orchestras from all kinds of backgrounds falls to David Chatwin, a respected figure in the classical community who has found a name for himself as the principal bassoonist with the BBC Philharmonic. Mr. Chatwin will be overseeing and delighting in the performances which are all due to be something spectacular.

The opener is surely going to set the precedent as it’s one that can truly rouse and captivate any audience. Victor Hugo’s seminal Mendehllson Concert Overture Roy Blas, the conductor incidentally hated the play which his piece was used in but the audience at Chester Cathedral are undoubtedly going to lap it up.

Working up the crows even further will be Holst’s Egdon Heath, which is massive inspired by the genius of Thomas Hardy, this almost 100 year old arrangement will serve as a fine introduction into Richard Srauss’s Horn Concerto No.1.

This piece is deserving of special attention down to it being played by the Andrew Budden Acting Principal Horn with the BBC Philharmonic. Budden himself is a relative newcomer on the scene after gaining massive exposure in 2006 when he joined the BBC Philharmonic at the tender age of 21. After playing with some of the most-revered orchestras across the country, he is set to make a real mark in Chester.

Wrapping up superb proceedings will be a performance of Brahms’ Symphony No.2 which is often remarked as a very difficult piece but a challenge that the performers will surely relish.

For the low price of £15, make your way to Chester Cathedral for an unforgettable evening of refined music on the 16^th at 7.30pm.

Halloween Events in Chester 2013

Posted on October 29, 2013 by chadmin

With broomsticks and costumes at the ready, Chester is preparing itself for another spooktacular 31^st of October. Halloween events in Chester and its surrounding areas are always ghoulishly good affairs and there are plenty of scares to be had for the whole family.

Hallowe’en Masquerade and Murder Mystery Spooktacular

The National Waterways Museum plays host to some seriously spooky goings on on the 30^thand 31^st of October. If you think of the intensity of Cluedo on a live scale, you wouldn’t even be close as the murder mystery is much scarier! Trawl every dark crevice, interview suspects and reap the rewards along the way to uncover who the killer is. Fun for the whole family, this event is £5 for adults and kids under 16 can enjoy it for as little as £2 in Ellesmere Port.

The Whitby Wander

Not really a horror filled night out along Whitby Park but with All Hallow’s Eve being held on the same day, you could be in for one or two surprise scares! Meet outside Whitby Hall in Ellesmere Port on the 31^st for a great walk around the historic town.

Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre

Come and join respected name Nick Fry as he discusses the significance of medieval craft with relation to Chester Cathedral in partnership with the Chester Society of Natural Science Literature and Art on the 31^st of October.

Halloween Spooktacular at Chester Zoo

As terrifying as some people may find snakes, spiders and other more chilling animals at Chester Zoo, it’s the creepy crawlies that are the main focus of the screams at this event being held until the 3^rd of November! The faint-hearted should keep well away from the 33-ft wide animatronic tarantula during this amazing event.

Bass Culture vs Mode-Mode Halloween Party

One strictly for the grown-ups, The Compass nightclub is holding a terrifyingly excellent party for Halloween with great name like Spooky and Pete Cannon ready to get the boils and ghouls on the dance floor shuffling. The evening kicks off at 8 p.m. and there‘s plenty of fun to be had up until closing time.

Wherever you end up this Halloween, it’s sure to be a horrifyingly fun occasion!

Chester Real Ale Festival 2013

Posted on October 23, 2013 by chadmin

Nothing brings people together quite like a glass of cold beer in beautiful surroundings which is exactly what the organisers of the Chester Real Ale Festival had in mind when they brought together this fine showcase.

Northern ale has no equal as any connoisseur and its exactly that kind of person who have their produce on tap for your enjoyment this October in beautiful Chester. If it’s a light, refreshing taste you’re after than any number of refined lagers will be available for you. Should you fancy a heady, strong tipple then there’s going to be plenty of choice from over 65 delicious drinks at The Guildhall.

The Guildhall is a gorgeous venue that can fit hundreds of people at once and as it used to be an active church, you couldn’t ask for a more idyllic location to hold any event.

Channelling the spirit of a bygone era when it was only rurally brewed ale you could find on tap at pubs, the CAMRA organisation have collaborated to bring together a head mix of all things hops. There are over 50 beers from local vendors available at a selection of pubs across Chester and 15 ciders to also sample, highlighting how varied and quietly successful the selection is.

There’s also plenty of food to enjoy across the venue with some truly delicious local produce to perfectly accompany your drink. Find the perfect partner to that Nine Standards Gold Standard or sip your New Plassey’s Dragon Breath after a hearty meal.

Don’t expect a just lad’s sort of event though as families are welcome with soft drinks available for the young ones throughout. Release that family rivalry with a round of pub games and a prize-laden tombola – who knows what you could win!

With this and much more to get involved with in Chester this month, it looks like this amazing town has a lot going for it still in 2013!

Chester Arts Festival 2013

Posted on October 8, 2013 by chadmin

A rich and cultured city, Chester is known for its beautiful surroundings and the gorgeous art the people who reside there create. With such inspiration everywhere you look, it’s little wonder that last year’s very first Chester Arts Festival was held to celebrate the local and national wonders. This year, it looks to be improving even further with some high-class names in attendance.

Quite possibly the marquee master of the arts is Sir Peter Blake: the genius responsible for The Beatle’s famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. In it, some of the most famous names in the world ranging from Marilyn Monroe to Karl Marx are displayed in a congregation and has gone on to be one of the most iconic art sleeves of all time. Blake’s work is regularly found in the Tate Gallery which serves to show what a powerhouse he is.

Not to be shown up as the biggest name on the roster is Kerry Darlington, a Rhyl born artist whose works are as broad and recognised as anyone’s in the country. So much so in fact that she was awarded the title of “Best-Selling Published Artist” by respected galleries all over Britain .Further cementing her reputation, Darlington is known as the world’s first resin artist and specialises in texture and acrylics also.

More brilliant displays are expected from the likes of the beloved sculptor Nick Elphick, the man responsible for sculpting the Queen for her jubilee. British talents Antony Gormley and Michael Bennett shore up the bill and with the inclusion of international names such as Patricia Pastore and Ramses Marzouk, the fantastic festival has a worldwide feel to it.

Laura O’Hare, the event director, had this to say: “Chester Art Fair is built on a wide range of corporate and public partnerships and we are looking forward to working with these organisations to grow the event. We are in talks with local education providers and companies to see how they can get involved in Chester Arts Fair 2013.” This is an example of the festival’s importance to the community with charity also playing a part. Several works will be sold to help the Claire House Children’s Hospice and other brilliant foundations which help the young in the art realm.

With this and much more to look forward to, this year’s festival looks to hold a lot of interest to connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Chester Literature Festival 2013

Posted on September 26, 2013 by chadmin

There are few festivals that celebrate literature quite like the annual event held in Chester and after the barnstorming success of 2012; it’s no surprise that it’s making its mark again this autumn.

This year, the reputation of the flourishing has attracted some big names and the billing is one not to be sniffed at. The famous names range from every genre imaginable, evidencing the recent lure of the two-week long event. Possibly the most prestigious name is Derek Jacobi, the legendary Shakespearian actor known for his love of all things literary who will be holding a special evening event talking about his life and career – not be missed. Tim Vine is also on-hand to guide you through his Bumper Book of Silliness whilst Richard Bacon also delights an avid crowd by talking about tweeting his mother amongst other things on Thursday evening.

Tim Vine

Celebrity events are not purely the name of game here however with plenty of workshops held by established names in literature for your interest. Brush up on your skills with the likes of Luke Wright, David Lloyd and Ian McMillian & Tony Husband eager to show you their style.

Lunchtime performances take in the spirit of drama which range from the classic to avant-garde. Intimate readings are showcased by the likes of Joy Winkler who is an excitable and determined performer, eager to convey every paragraph and full stop as was intended when she put pen to paper. Another inspirational talk comes in the form of David Lloyd’s self-effacing yarn on his trouble with employment. Stifle a grin as he hilariously guides you through his latest exploits and reads from his book, Seven Streets. Other readings come from the likes of Paul Morley, Patrick Barlow, Fay Weldon, Clive James and many, many more.

The local community also features prominently at this year’s festival with the local university’s lecturers having a chance to talk over the few days. This represents a great chance for anyone interested in further education to sample what their future could hold.

Set aside the middle of October in your diary for a trip to Chester to experience an un-missable occasion from the 13^th to 27^th.

“Book Reading” by moonpointer 1 and “Untitled” by @paulbailey licenses available here.