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Where to go when the sun is shining in Chester

The sun is finally shining and it’s time to get your fix of vitamin D – here are some of the best outside places to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink (or two) in the sun!

A gin lover’s paradise

Located in Chester’s canal quarter, Artichoke is just a stone’s throw away from the busy streets of Chester – relax by the canal, soak up the sun and choose from a wide variety of local beers or a never-ending list of gins, cocktails and wines.

A few steps away

on City Road, you will discover The Yard – a great place to relax whilst the sun is shining – with their own cocktail lounge the Boardroom downstairs and plenty of drinks to choose from, you cannot go wrong with this relaxed Italian Restaurant.

Location, Location, Location

Overlooking the Racecourse, Brasserie Abode oozes glamour.  Opt to recline on the plush velvet sofas or take a seat on their balcony terrace to enjoy a glass of fizz and take in the stunning views of the Roodee and beyond.

Restaurant 1539 offers the most unique backdrop in which to enjoy a drink.  Soak up the rays and enjoy drinks on their Roof Lounge terrace overlooking the oldest racecourse still in use in the UK.   A guest DJ transforms the atmosphere into a funky, sophisticated space where you can linger all evening.

The White Horse is set in the centre of Chester’s racecourse grounds complete with an airy open sided conservatory. Sit back and enjoy the vista across the racecourse and city walls while you sip on your ice cold beverage.

To the river

Hickorys Smokehouse is superbly located on The Groves right on the bank of the River Dee in the heart of the city. Open 7 days a week serving up the finest Southern hospitality for breakfast, lunch & dinner. When the sun is shining the large terrace is the perfect place to while away the hours and watch life on the River Dee.

A short stroll further along The Groves, you will find award winning Edgar House located atop the City Walls. This elegant Georgian house has fantastic River views from their spacious Riverside Garden, where you can indulge in afternoon tea with a glass of bubbles whilst the sun is shining.

Tapas time

If you want to enjoy a relaxed evening whilst the sun is setting and the air is getting a little bit cooler, head over to at the top of Northgate Street where you will find Porta – a great tapas bar with a laid-back vibe and open from 5pm every day. Experience a little piece of Barcelona in this authentic tapas bar, you are bound to find something on the menu you’ill love, even if it’s a glass of sherry or wine!

Drinks in the city

There aren’t many bars out there that can say they have been at the top of their game for years; but Barlounge has been a Chester institution for almost 20 years and the bustling terrace is at the heart of the city’s social scene. Enjoy the unique mix of classic cocktails, superb British food and extraordinary service in the heart of historic Chester.

Tucked away at the top of the super chic Opera Grill is a fantastic sun terrace. Enjoy something to eat from their mouthwatering menu accompanied by a large glass of gin and tonic or even a bottle of champagne whilst bathing in the British sunshine and soaking in this great atmosphere.

Head over to The Botanist to indulge in some wondrous botanical cocktails on the rooftop terrace. This hidden treasure is tucked away and perfect for catching the rays whilst enjoying your beverage of choice from their extensive selection.

The spectacular surroundings of The Church include an expansive Terrace with seating for 100 people. With plenty of room to enjoy the Spring sun and an ice cold beer or choose from a selection of Bellinis from the new Bellini bar.

The Alchemist’s very special brand of molecular, mixology and devilishly indulgent cocktails are to be enjoyed whatever the weather and when the sun is shining, there is nothing better than sipping a cocktail on the terrace in this great place.

La Brasserie has been a firm favourite on Chester’s dining scene for over 20 years. With a contemporary re-design in 2018 La Brasserie continues to stand the test of time with the same impeccable service for which The Chester Grosvenor has been renowned since 1865. When the sun shines La Brasserie’s bi-fold doors open onto Eastgate Street and becomes the perfect place to enjoy the sun and people watch.

Burgers and beers in the sun, what more could you ask for! BurgerShed41 has a great menu packed with burgers and tacos plus a drinks menu with numerous craft ales which would go down a treat in the sunshine.

If pizza is your thing, cross over the road to Urbano32 – with a great outside seating area, loads of pizzas and a fine selection of drinks to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.

If you’re after a ping pong championship in the sun, look no further than Commonhall St Social. Working with local brewers and drink specialists they keep their menu ever changing – these guys always have something different for you to try and a large terrace at the back of the building with comfortable seating, where you can kick back and relax.

Further afield

Located just outside Chester, The Fishpool Inn is a great gastro pub with plenty of craft and local ales to choose from – whether enjoying a light snack or just a refreshing beverage on the outdoor terrace this is a great place to soak in the rays.

Tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, sitting high atop the Peckforton Hills, The Pheasant Inn enjoys some of the most magnificent panoramic views in the area – head there to enjoy a refreshing drink whilst relaxing and enjoying the great scenery.

Located in the picturesque Cheshire village Christleton, Ring O’Bells boasts a large garden to sit back and relax in whilst the sun is shining in Chester – with plenty of food options and a great drinks menu to choose from, this is a must visit.

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