Harden's survey result
Summary
“We had heard the hype and were very pleasantly surprised that it lived up to it!” – Gary Usher’s original venture in his nowadays-famous Elite Bistros group occupies the gentrified suburb of Hoole outside the city centre. “A small menu of reliably tasty food is provided by engaging and knowledgeable staff”, “It’s only small, so it could get a bit awkward if it was quiet, but it always seems to be bustling. I really like it here!”
Summary
“A very special place indeed” – this modest-looking backstreet bistro that chef Gary Usher opened 13 years ago in the Chester suburb of Hoole has achieved cult status and set the template for his crowdfunded Elite Bistros group, which now has six venues across the North West. “Always our choice for celebrations, delicious meals and superb service”, it’s “guaranteed to give you a great time”.
Summary
“A gem of a place, don’t miss it” – the original link in Gary Usher’s niche northwestern chain Elite Bistros, this is a “relaxed small restaurant” in the Chester suburb of Hoole, known for its “high-quality” modern bistro cuisine. “Tables are limited, so do book – you won’t want to miss the ever-changing menu”. Top Tip: “roasted beetroot salad, which has those famous Sticky Walnuts”.
Summary
Gary Usher’s increasingly famous Elite Bistros chain started with this “lovely neighbourhood bistro” in Hoole – although it’s “only small”, and it’s in what might seem like “an unlikely location”, being a low-key residential suburb of Chester, whose main claim to fame is that it’s not far from the railway station. The venue bears all the all-round formula that’s driven Gary’s success though: an “intimate” yet “bustling and lively” atmosphere; “warm, humorous service”; and “generous portions of very well-cooked food” from a “slightly unusual” menu that’s “very reasonably priced”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Sticky Walnut?
11 Charles St, Chester, CH2 3AZ
Restaurant details
Sticky Walnut Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The evening did not get off to the best start; we arrived a little early and our table was not ready, with the small size of the restaurant meaning there is nowhere to wait. Things improved greatly once the meal started. The reduced price for the short menu was a pleasant surprise. It is also good that nearly all of the wine-list is available by the glass, making it much easier to marry wine with food. The food itself was good, the starters were the pick of the three courses and the desserts the weakest. Service was friendly, efficient and enthusiastic. The ambience might depend on the clientele for that evening, and upstairs was very quiet on our visit, but it was easy to have a conversation with your companions without too much other noise."
"Sticky walnut in Chester… Warm welcome from staff. Tiny (downstairs) about 5 /6 tables - just right for a lunchtime session. Beetroot salad excellent, as was the watermelon & prosciutto salad. Gurnard main course was disappointing, very small piece of fillet, overcooked and dry. Ortzo accompaniment tasted good, however, it was lukewarm. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.00 | £25.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £24.00 | £37.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
11 Charles St, Chester, CH2 3AZ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm |
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