Spotlight On: Barlounge, Chester
Barlounge Reimagined
Best for... Cocktails and sharing-style food in a buzzy atmosphere
Barlounge is celebrating 25 years as one of Chester’s most beloved independent bars and restaurants, with the launch of Barlounge Reimagined. The thoughtfully curated refurbishment introduces new cooking methods, elevated flavours and updated interiors, while staying true to the dishes, drinks and atmosphere that have made Barlounge a local favourite for a quarter of a century.
Based on Watergate Street, the venue was founded in 2000 by Neil McDonnell, helping shape Chester’s modern food, drink and social dining scene from the very beginning alongside his friend and business partner, Jason Bligh.
Barlounge builds on 25 years of experience with a renewed focus on craft, consistency and atmosphere. An open-kitchen, bespoke wood-fired oven and hands-on team bring guests closer to the energy behind the food and drinks, while familiar favourites remain firmly on the menu.
What’s New?
A new, specially designed wood-fired oven is now central to the open kitchen and elevated menu. The open kitchen adds an element of theatre to the newly reimagined ‘Indoor Terrace’ – which blends the iconic ‘Top Terrace’ area seamlessly into the light, bright and contemporary new dining area.
A reimagined food offering is now available, focused on bold flavours and social, sharing-style dining, whilst retaining all the old favourites and classic Barlounge dishes.
The interiors have been refreshed and the bottom terrace has been revamped to enhance the space while preserving Barlounge’s relaxed, energetic feel.
There has also been a bold re-imagining of the former dining room area, bringing all the feels and energy of the outdoor terrace, into the beautiful, airy and aptly named new ‘Indoor Terrace’.
What’s On The Menu?
Guests can expect an exciting injection of food theatre with three new cooking styles; the bespoke-built wood-fired oven, state-of-the-art spit roast and the welcome return of the robata (coal grill), bringing depth of flavour and theatre to the menu. Barlounge favourites remain, including the legendary sticky sausages, the famous Sunday Roast and popular sharing boards.
Signature classic cocktails that have long defined Barlounge also remain firmly on the menu, now complemented by a selection of reworked and refreshed creations alongside classics such as Old Cuban and Side Car.
Much-loved draught beers from across the continent also make a welcome return, as does their refined wine list, champagne menu and their carefully curated array of worldly spirits.
Marking 25 years of Barlounge, this latest chapter reflects the continued evolution of a much-loved independent bar and restaurant, serving a heartfelt thank you to the guests who have shown so much support to Barlounge for so many years.
Johnny Stephens Photography
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