Revealing Chester's Hidden Culinary Gems: Beyond the Tourist Trail
Cafes in Chester - Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch
Exploring the heart of Chester transcends the typical tourist experience and we unveil a vibrant and eclectic independent food culture that remains a cherished secret among the locals.
Our dedicated Chester team has painstakingly curated a list of their favourite hidden gems—cafes, coffee shops, and tea rooms that remain delightfully quiet on TripAdvisor’s Top Ten or the traditional tourist websites.
These walkable culinary treasures are discreetly tucked away off the beaten path, nestled along the city's cobbled streets, alongside the walls or upon the Victorian rows but all still within the city centre.
Many of the cafes mentioned prefer to be known through the whispers of locals but we'll delve into their alluring menus, the captivating ambiances, and the diverse dietary options they offer. You'll soon discover why they are in our top foody picks in Chester.
The Allure of Chester's Vibrant Café Scene
Chester city's rich history and charming architecture together create a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable gastronomical journey. As a visitor, the cafés in Chester are a must-visit to experience and are a food lover's paradise.
This article promises to take you on a tantalizing food journey, presenting Enjoy the Pause’s top picks, spanning from Breakfast to Dinner, romantic to family-friendly. So join us as we embark on a quest to unveil Chester's most treasured culinary secrets.
Fuelling Your Day Ahead: Breakfast in Chester
Chester ensures that every morning is a good one with its abundant options for breakfast cafés. Each café exudes its own charm and character, creating an incredibly diverse breakfast culture that caters to all tastes.
We love the popular ones as do a lot of locals and tourists alike but here are our Top 3 picks for a unique breakfast experience equally worthy of a visit and why.
Crepes Away - Easy missed just opposite Chester cathedral this ....delicious crapes, a really nice atmosphere and friendly staff. A family-friendly venue with great baby changing facilities and children's activities.
Our team favourites on the menu are: the Organic Cinnamon Swirls filled with sweet, sticky cinnamon fermented for 24 hours with a fresh mint tea. The kids however opted for the Chocolate and Hazelnut Cruffin - flaky pastry baked like a muffin, filled like a doughnut.
Good For: Babies & Young Children
Opens: 9.30am-5pm Mon-Thur, 6pm Fri/Sat, 10-4pm Sun
The Flower Cup - This charming cafe not only serves great coffee but also offers a delightful breakfast menu that you can enjoy whilst being surrounded by plants.
They serve up a unique all-day brunch menu and also have a selection of tasty vegan options, as well as some popular classics but don't forget to ask about their daily specials!
This cozy ambiance and friendly staff add to the overall experience, making it an ideal spot for a 'breath of fresh air' start to your day.
Our team favourites on the menu are: the eggs benedict or the smoked salmon and avocardo and you've guessed it the kids favourite is the maple syrup French toast, of course!
Good For: Friends Catch Up
Opens: 9am-4pm week days & till 5pm Fri/Sat
Cafe at the Walls - Family-run, friendly and welcoming British cafe, situated next to Chester's historic walls and the river dee.
Serving home-cooked hot meals, freshly made paninis and sandwiches, as well as a wide selection of home-baked cakes including gluten-free options.
Everything is freshly made and beautifully presented. A very traditional small English cafe that's bright inside with a 'wake-me-up slowly' vibe.
Our team favourites on the menu are: the scones, just out of the oven and still warm with homemade damson jam. Paired with a classic pot of English tea, served with milk in a mini milk bottle.
Good For: Typical British Food
Opens: 10am-5pm Thur - Sun
Family-Friendly Cafés in Chester a Plenty
For families visiting Chester, most cafes are not just for adults. They also make for fantastic pitstops with the little ones. Imagine taking your children on a mid-morning quest to find a sweet treat together and a few child-friendly activities while you get a chance to sit and sip on your latte or grab a cheeky wine. It's a delightful way to create lasting memories and grab a pause while exploring the city's historic treasures.
Chester's Brunch Cafés: Satisfying Tummy Fillers
Chester presents a wide selection of cafés catering to different tastes and preferences and not just grabbing a quick snack. As well as the ones we've already mentioned above which are open all day with full menus we felt there were a few other cafes in Chester worthy of a quick snack or brunch-time shout-out.
Pars Kahve
- For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Pars Kahve. This café offers a tempting array of Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes for lunch, from savoury kebabs to flavourful mezes for a true 'wake up the senses' vibe. There is even a little shop attached to get your Turkish wares
Our team favourites on the menu are: the Organic Cinnamon Swirls filled with sweet, sticky cinnamon fermented for 24 hours with a fresh mint tea. The kids however opted for the Chocolate and Hazelnut Cruffin - flaky pastry baked like a muffin, filled like a doughnut.
Huxleys - nestled by the famous Eastgate Clock on the city walls, this is your go-to spot for a sweet mid-morning treat. Their menu features ever-changing, homemade cakes that are irresistible. It also has a licence selling Chester's very own beer, definitely worth a sample or two.
Choose to relax on the walls, soak in the bustling atmosphere, or enjoy your treat indoors for a cosy experience with a 'best in town' view.
Our team favourites on the menu are: we love the Bakewell with a peppermint tea, the kids however opted for the vegan mint choc chip ice cream, a rare vegan find and my son's favourite flavour.
Good For: Ice Cream & Beer
Opens: 10am-6pm all week
Dabba- Just off Bridge street comes the new venture from Mr & Mrs P (from the amazing Hanky Panky Cafe, that we will forever miss)
Dabbling over the past few years with their successful curry evening this new venture, a South Indian comfort food cafe has arrived. Think aromatic dhals, crispy dosa, homemade chutneys and masala chai.
Our team favourites on the menu are: we have yet to sample this menu, its on our list for this spring ('24) when we can coordinate our friends diary but cant wait. If you try before us please let us know your experience, we know you are going to love it.
Good For: South Indian comfort food
Opens: 11am-2pm & 6pm-9pm Thur-Sat & 11am-3pm Sun
Cafes in Chester: Perfect Workplace for Digital Nomads
If you're a digital nomad or just someone looking to get some work done outside your usual setting, Chester's independent cafes offer an ideal alternative.
A lot of them provide excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, plenty of tables, plug sockets, comfy chairs and quiet nooks, making them a cosy spot to work for many locals. They also come with the added bonus of great coffee and atmosphere. Just grab your laptop and set up in one of these local gems while enjoying the sights and sounds of Chester.
Indulge Your Midday Appetite: Lunch in Chester
When it's time for lunch, you'll find that most cafes in Chester are open, offering a vast array of options. If you're seeking a quieter spot away from the crowds, there are still some hidden gems waiting to be explored.
In addition to the all-day cafes we've highlighted previously, we've uncovered a few more fantastic lunchtime options in Chester that deserve a special mention.
Vin Santo - more of a wine bar but with amazing sides and snacks to pair with your favourite tipple. Not just any old tipple though, we are talking a collection of fine wines, beers, gin and champagne.
Set in a historic 13th Century crypted cellar you will be immersed in atmosphere whilst also tucking into a selection of either a cheese board, hummus & pate or meaty Charcuterie.
Our team favourites on the menu are:
being lactose intolerant we opt for the meaty Charcuterie and it does not disappoint.
Good For:
Romantic lunch date
Open: 12pm-9.30pm Sun-Wed, 12pm-11.30pm Thur-Sat
Fika - an inclusive, relaxing artisans cafe up on the historic walls. This understated cafe is where people go to chat and relax over a lovely cuppa and bake. A 'need a cuddle' feel experience.
It's a truly homemade plant-based menu is made with such care. You must take home an Organic handcrafted Seeded Spelt Sourdough Loaf, taking 36 hours to make and tastes delicious.
Our team favourites on the menu are: the Organic Cinnamon Swirls filled with sweet, sticky cinnamon fermented for 24 hours with a fresh mint tea. The kids however opted for the Chocolate and Hazelnut Cruffin - flaky pastry baked like a muffin, filled like a doughnut.
Good For: Vegan Diet & Wifi
Opens: 10am-3.30pm Wed-Sat & Sun 9.30am-3.30pm
Pronto Pasta Bar - tucked away in Rufus Court near the Storyhouse theatre, you would easily miss this little beauty, a pasta bar, Italian street food and deli. Eat in or take out, you choose.
Our team favourites on the menu are:
we cant wait to take the kids here as they are big pasta lovers, we also can wait to try a little cheeky wine with our lunch. Will keep you posted on our favourites.
Local Cafes Enrich Chester's Culinary Landscape
Supporting independent cafes in Chester goes beyond indulging your taste buds; it's a way to contribute to the local community. These cafes often source their products locally, creating a ripple effect that benefits nearby businesses and artisans. By choosing to dine at independent cafes, you're not only treating yourself but also investing in the local economy and promoting the uniqueness of Chester's culinary scene.
Wrapping Up: Chester's Diverse Café Culture
Whether you're starting your day with a delightful breakfast with the city's ambiance as your backdrop, enjoying a satisfying mid-morning sweet treat with the family, or grabbing a few hours for a peaceful work session. Chester's food scene is packed with great cafes serving breakfast, lunch, and all-day meals. There are many excellent cafes, coffee shops, and tea rooms to choose from, but we couldn't resist telling you about some lesser-known places that promise just as fantastic a dining experience.
So go on, explore the hidden culinary delights in Chester, but shhhh, just don't tell anyone – let's keep these gems our little secret.
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