Harden's survey result
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”.
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”.
Summary
“A great sense of energy and enthusiasm for the cooking makes a visit fun and very satisfying”, when you visit Gary Usher’s original venture – “a cosy” and “relaxed” bistro in Hoole, “just on the outskirts of the city” (beyond the train station). Having opened in 2011, it’s “still the best eatery in Chester” (unless you are determined to spend a bomb), and – to an impressive extent given the expansion of his north western empire – “standards have been maintained over several years”: particularly the “excellent modern British cuisine” (“with dishes to suit all tastes”). Top Menu Tip: “do try their signature starter of beetroot and sticky walnuts”.
Summary
If there was an award for self-publicity, owner Gary Usher would take first prize, and his force of personality has helped create a national reputation for this cute, small venture in Hoole (just outside the city centre). Its popularity doesn’t rest on hype alone though – it’s a “perfect neighbourhood bistro”, with a “very welcoming and comforting feel to the place”, plus “switched on and engaged service”, “simple and delicious food” (for example “chateaubriand cooked to juicy perfection”) and “a well-priced wine list”.
For 30 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).
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Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £17.00 | £20.00 |  |
|
|
| Pretheatre | £18.00 | £21.00 | |
|
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| SundayLunch | £20.00 | £25.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £8.50 | £24.00 | £4.00 | £9.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
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‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
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