Chester’s leading hotel has officially opened its new restaurant to the public – and it enjoyed a successful first week of trading as it welcomed guests through the doors to experience its latest fine dining offering.
The Chester Grosvenor, a five-star hotel that sits at the very heart of the city, announced plans to open its new Arkle restaurant earlier this year, with its previous offering ‘Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor’ having closed for a £250,000 refurb following Simon’s departure in October 2021.
With the refurbishment work completed, the restaurant is now officially open to the public and taking bookings.
Headed up by newly appointed Executive Chef, Elliot Hill, the restaurant brings a fresh culinary offering to the city, with a menu that’s enthused with its own sense of style inspired by Elliot’s extensive experience.
The focal point of the launch offering is its tasting menu, which is also available as vegetarian and plant-based options, and includes dishes such as chicken en gelée, blanc of wild turbot, fillet of beef and Tatws Pum Munud – Elliot’s take on a traditional Welsh dish, and inspired by his father.
Elliot Hill, a National Chef of the Year finalist in 2021, was formerly Head Chef at Panoramic 34 in Liverpool and Head Chef at Oddfellows Chester prior to that. As a born and bred Cestrian, Elliot is determined to continue and enhance the Chester Grosvenor’s reputation for culinary excellence and outstanding cuisine.
Alongside Elliot, the kitchen team is enthused with an array of Michelin-standard experience, including Head Chef Raymond Booker, who’s been in place at The Chester Grosvenor for more than 17 years, Head Pastry Chef Declan O’Driscoll and Senior Sous Chef Sam Griffiths. The front of house team includes Restaurant Manager Aga Szopa and Head Sommelier Boris Filip.
Commenting on the opening and Arkle team, Richard Grove, General Manager of the Chester Grosvenor, said: “We’ve had a fantastic opening week for the Arkle, with the reception and feedback from guests being extremely positive. I am so proud of the team who have done a marvellous job – both in getting us ready for opening and then successfully delivering on that vision. It’s been tremendous to see and I’m grateful for their hard work as well as the guests who’ve been in to dine with us, all of whom have been wonderfully supportive of what we’re looking to achieve.”
The restaurant was closed for several months during the refurbishment, which meant it missed out on this year’s Michelin Star Guide, with Richard Grove saying: “With the restaurant closed for a prolonged period, it simply wasn’t possible for the Michelin inspectors to assess our offering. With the Arkle now fully open and boasting a team that’s been immersed in our 30-year history of Michelin-standard fare, we are excited to be delivering the same exceptional standards of service and food for which we have always been known.”
He concluded: “It’s an exciting time at The Chester Grosvenor across our entire food offering, and we’re delighted to be back open and welcoming guests.”
For more information and to book, please visit https://www.chestergrosvenor.com/ or call +44 (0)1244 324024.