Terrace Time
How Upstairs At The Grill is still ‘Raising The Steaks’ when it comes to summer dining in Chester
Nestled on its own quiet corner of Watergate Street, Upstairs At The Grill has been synonymous with superb steaks, outstanding service and some of the best cocktails in the city for the last twenty five years.
The Manhattan-inspired steakhouse, famed for its prime cuts of beef and big global flavours, think porterhouse, rump, rib-eye, grain-fed USDA and the super tender Sashi fillet. Its opulent interiors and magical, almost clandestine atmosphere takes on a whole new feel when the sun is shining.
Their beautifully designed terrace, complete with retractable roof, cool seating options and a wine list to rival any in the capital, has to be one of the most glorious spots for a summer lunch or evening tipple when golden hour does its thing.
The steaks might be the star of the show here – delicious, flamed meats, paired with legendary sides, exquisite wines and quirky cocktails, but trust us, their seasonal summer dishes are every bit as special.
Summer Loving
If you are planning a visit soon, we’ve picked out a few highlights, filled with summer flavours and all the usual culinary flair guests have come to expect from ‘The Grill’…
It’s the law to start proceedings with a summer cocktail here, and we LOVE the Highline Sunrise, a fruity, floral little number created with Pimms No.1, Slingsby Blackberry Gin, Xante, summer fruit cordial, elderflower tonic and lemon topped with a marshmallow.
To kick off the eating bit, the Fire Kissed Scallops with apple and shallot salsa bathed in seaweed butter sauce are hard to beat. Keeping up the seaside theme, the Barbequed Spiced Monkfish with rich onion, coconut and thyme yoghurt is a total taste sensation – ‘just caught that day’ fresh, perfectly charred and bursting with flavour.
If lunch is on the agenda, nothing beats the Grill’s legendary Chicken Caesar Salad. Dressed, tossed and served at your table for an added bit of theatre. The crisp cos hearts, fresh anchovies, brioche croutons, freshly grated Parmesan and lashings of homemade Caesar dressing take this summer classic to a whole new level.
And you simply cannot visit the Grill without sampling a side or two! The Heritage Tomato Salad, accompanied by shallots, pickled red onion, aged balsamic, and fine herbs, is both delightful in taste and visually appealing. It truly embodies the essence of summer in a bowl.
Summertime Wines
With one of the largest collections of rare Californian wines in the UK, it would be rude not to select one of the standout CAMi vineyard creations. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is light, crisp and fruity with hints of pineapple, cantaloupe and white grapefruit.
This outstanding Californian vineyard covers a small, 2-acre plot in the Napa Valley and is all about old vines and low yields. The wine is strictly allocated, making it difficult to get hold of and even more satisfying to drink!
But summer wouldn’t be summer without a rosé, and you can’t do better than Provencal’s own 2022 Pink Diesel, a crisp and delicate wine with sweet peach and honey notes and a fresh, citrussy aroma.
Whatever the season, Upstairs At The Grill isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From its remarkable setting to its diverse menu, extensive wine list, inventive cocktails, and exceptional summer dishes, it has been a symbol of culinary excellence in Chester since its inception, and it just keep getting better.
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