MAGICAL WHIMSICAL AND CHARMING

THE ODDFELLOWS HOTEL CHESTER

Envelop yourself in a city full of history, culture, amazing architecture and romance – envelop yourself in Chester.

The city dates back to Roman times but it’s a place that holds surprises at every corner.

But Chester isn’t about antiquities and relics it’s a vibrant place where boutiques, bars, restaurants and galleries abound- you can promenade up and down the riverbank, take a boat trip or have a flutter at the famous Chester races – this is the ultimate place for a weekend or short break or maybe a longer stay.

Chester is renown for its hotels and perhaps one of its best kept secrets is Oddfellows Chester a boutique hotel in Lower Bridge Street mid-way between the river and the shopping area.

We drove passed Oddfellows twice before we realised that we had arrived but that’s part of the beauty of this historic listed building – there’s no garish signs just a stone facade and entrance up a flight of stairs.

This charming 17^th century Georgian listed building was once the town house of Lady Mary Calverley who demolished part of the city’s rows to replacing it with with the first building in Chester to be built in the classic style in 1676.

Through the centuries that followed the house was owned by the Attorney General before being used as just about everything from a school to a club.

Fast forward to the present day and after an award winning conversion this magical, whimsical and charming hotel was created.

You can feel the vibes of this place – it is just something special- as soon as you push open the heavy oak doors at the top of the stairs and enter into a Narnia where eclectic style meets quirkiness.

The dark oak polished wood floors and doors sit well against art deco style ornaments and artwork and the retro mirrored desk and furnishings add a dimension of style.

The receptionist was just amazing as the décor directing my partner to the nearest carpark and after the formalities of registering personally showing me through to the bar and serving me with a glass of cool white wine.

Entering the bar literally took my breath away. This is an ingenious piece of design.

The classic Georgian panelling is adorned with stunning woodland frescos with a large stone fireplace, that must have seen numerous centuries of wear, dominating the room.

And the seating is pure bliss pure leather and sinkable seating plus some breakout bays with tables and beautifully styled lighting.

This place is the perfect place at any time of the day either for morning coffee, afternoon tea, a light bite or a cheeky g and t in the late afternoon not to mention the cocktails all exclusive to Oddfellows.

It was then all systems go for us as we wanted a stroll round Chester so we decided to make our way to our room to put on some warmer clothing as the weather was rather crisp and murky.

As we made our way through the doors at the end of the bar to the staircase to our room it was like walking into another era and space as we walked through the area called The Secret Garden.

Now over the last few decades I have experienced classic walled gardens in many city hotels but this is like no other its just so classically quirky and is one on its own.

There’s small water features, cheeky little garden gnomes, over sized hanging lamps, lamp posts, fairy lights to guide you on your way and heated huts to keep you warm in the evening or shade you on hot summer nights.

Of all the huts and spaces it was the potting shed bar really made me smile with its garden implements and strange seating.

As we found out later this can be a romantic place at night to enjoy that intimate cocktail. Although it’s a large area there are so many different huts, bays and breakout areas with the twinkling lights and greenery it has a great romantic ambience you feel you are the only people there and can shut out the world. This is really a fairy-tale retreat from the city outside.

It was love at first sight with our room The Newbrook Loft Room. It had everything including a six foot circular bed with vintage cushions decorated with cinema posters dressing the bed.

The room in fact had a retro feel with a Roberts Radio and even an old fashioned wind up pencil sharpener (perhaps they knew I was a hack!) on the desk.

The large couch was so comfortable and perfect for putting my feet up after our city walk. I loved the fact there was a fridge with treats, a Nespresso machine and well as a desk where I could really get to work on my lap top. There was plenty of clothes hanging space too and the toilet was downstairs as well.

Upstairs in our loft room was a double shower, a lovely deep basin and lots of fluffy towels and good lighting for putting makeup on – often lacking these days.

Before feasting on the hotel’s new food concept I was determined to have one of the mixologist’s exclusive cocktails and I was not disappointed – it was perfection in a glass.

Oddfellows has just launched a new menu – different, trendy and fresh The Balihao Menu – an Asian Tapas Menu a unique offering in Chester.

Tapas has become very popular over recent years. It is a social way of eating and sharing food, wine and conversation with friends and family.

The menu includes 6 appetizers, perfect for sharing, Japanese Gyoza Dumplings with various fillings, Steamed Bao Buns, Noddle Dishes and Japanese Katsu Curries- there’s so much to choose from.

On Sunday’s the hotel will serve a traditional Sunday menu and of course the lovely afternoon teas are served daily – including one specially designed for children.

The dining room at Oddfellows is light and airy with large antique looking glass living walls and dramatic sliding doors leading straight out onto the secret garden.

Breakfast is a real treat at Oddfellows with a tantalising choice of traditional English, delicious egg dishes such as Eggs Florentine and Eggs Benedict plus a Continental selection. I loved the odd china cups and saucers – it gave me an idea for home they just look so trendy and hot toast, frothy coffee and really good tea which my partner adored.

After breakfast we decided to see more of Chester so unfortunately it was good bye but not farewell to Oddfellows I am sure. It’s such a welcoming place with great staff who cannot do enough for their guests and pull out all stops to do so.

Oddfellows 20 Lower Bridge Street – Tel: 01244 345451

www.oddfellowschester.com

JUST A FEW OF THE PLACES TO VISIT IN CHESTER

THE ROWS – THE CITY’S MEDIEVAL NETWORK OF OPEN GALLERIES THAT LINE THE STREETS OF THE CITY CENTRE