Afternoon Tea, but elevated to the Rooftops by 1539 #Blog

Victoria Hayes
16th September 2022

Chester Racecourse is home to some of the most prestigious racing in the world, but there’s so much more to it than it’s beautifully kept green grass and the frenzied energy of the race days.

Throughout the year, the gorgeous hospitality venues are open for a whole host of different dining options, events and even a cocktail or two. 

1539 is both on the racecourse and on the incredible roman city walls which make Chester so internationally famous. It is respcted for it’s Sunday roasts and its fabulous seasonal and a la carte menus which offer twists on British classics and dishes inspired by flavours from across the globe. The food and service are well known to be excellent, but what really elevates this restaurant is the unparalleled views of the word’s oldest operational race course.

The fun and vibrant interior has been matched by their newly refurbished rooftop terrace and bar. This botanical inspired stylish space offers absolutely breath taking vistas across the course, but also manages to be luxurious and relaxed.  There are cosy nooks, and a range of high and low seating. The roof is retractable and so the sunshine can be let in and the guests are also protected from our great British weather! When I visited last week, we were lucky enough to be enjoying the last of our gorgeous British summer and the sliding windows allowed the breeze to keep us cool as we sipped on our arrival fizz.

The service in 1539 is always smooth, efficient and friendly. The menu offered us a range of options for our tea selection, whether you prefer something more traditional like a breakfast tea or earl grey, or if you are happier with a more unusual green tea there is a whole world of choice. I selected the Tales of the Orient tea which is fresh and citrusy, with notes of sweet mango, lemon peel and pink pepper. It was light and refreshing and served in beautiful floral tea sets.

Once we were all settled with our tea selections, the magic began in earnest as ornate, gilded birdcages, piled high with treats were brought to the table.

I firmly believe that you eat with your eyes first and the afternoon tea at 1539 is a real feast for the senses. Vibrant colours excite you before you even taste a mouthful. The beautiful array of cakes at the top to tempt you. The massive freshly baked scones with a selection of jams in the middle and the perfectly even sumptuous sandwiches in the bottom layer. We could not wait to dive in.

Of course, we paused to take some quick snaps of the gorgeous array of treats, and we absolutely urge you to do the same so you can make all your friends jealous!

We were very good and began with the sandwiches first, although I had to resist hard the siren call of the bright pink macaron and the luscious looking lemon drizzle…

Smoked salmon on one, rare roast beef on another and we were quickly on to the enormous scone, debating the relative merits of different jam flavours and the age old jam or cream first discussion! (I’m team Jam, in case you were wondering).

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It’s so clear that all this is freshly made on site, and the cakes are an absolute triumph of patisserie. TC TIP :- on a warm day, snag the chocolate one first before it melts, it’s still delicious but it’s harder to get it from the cake stand to the plate! The cakes were light and delightful, something for every taste and we enjoyed taking the time to taste everyone with as many refills of delicious tea as we could want.

Afternoon Tea at 1539 is decadent, delicious and beautifully served. Add to that the stunning views from the gorgeously botanical roof top terrace and you have a unique and memorable experience that you will talk about for weeks and months to come.

Enjoy the quintessential British experience of Afternoon Tea at 1539, Available from Friday 2nd September. Fridays & Saturdays between 12pm and 4pm.

You can choose from one of the 4 Afternoon Tea Packages below:

Traditional afternoon Tea – £27

Decadent Afternoon Tea – served with a signature gin cocktail – £35 

Champagne Afternoon Tea – Served with a glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut – £40

Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea – Served with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rose – £45

To book your table for Afternoon Tea please call on 01244 304611

Please note that this is not available on a Race day.

Taste Cheshire enjoyed Afternoon tea at 1539 courtesy of Chester Racecourse however all comments in this article are our own and we stand by them. If you don’t believe us. or even if you do, we encourage you to try it for yourself.