Fresh faced and ready for Fine Times – Duttons Chester #Out and About
Victoria Hayes
11th February 2020
Duttons Chester is, to me at least, a Chester institution.
Hidden away down the romantic alleyway of Godstall Lane in the shadow of Chester’s stunning cathedral, you might find it hard to believe that it has been so successful for so long. Bucking the trend of other bars and restaurants in the City, for 21 years, Duttons has always been a reliable place for good food and good service in Chester City Centre.
Duttons is like an old friend to me, a family member maybe. My sister got engaged, baby showered and had her wedding reception there. So as you can imagine, I’m fairly attached to the old place. 
The truth is, that when I heard it was undergoing a refit, I was actually nervous, what if the new place didn’t live up to the old standard. What if it lost it’s warmth and charm?
Following a four week closure and massive development (which I had obsessively stalked on Instagram), I was thrilled to be invited along for a sneaky peek.
To mark the opening, on Friday evening, Duttons hosted a VIP event with guests including family members and loyal regulars. The pub officially opened to the public on Saturday 8th February, from 9am.
For me it was like seeing a friend in a stunning new dress with gorgeous make up, nails done and lovely perfume. It was a lovely experience, a mix of pride, recognition and excitement for the future.
Firstly the frontage has had a complete face lift, new doors and windows, new awning and flowers greet you, offering a French bistro feel. The exterior is fitting with the lane, with café bar style seating perfect for alfresco dining, coffee or cocktails.
The staff remain warm, welcoming and friendly from start to finish greeted us with abundant fizz and circulated nibbles including pea and mint fritter, vegetable dumpling, calamari, olives and pork parfait.
It wasn’t long though before I snuck off for a good ole nosey at the “new” place.
The £350k investment sees the updated interior now offering a light and bright atmosphere with beautiful fabrics, tiling and worktops bringing life to the drinking and dining areas, while still maintaining a comfortable and relaxed environment.
My old booth has been replaced with a beautiful shiny new coffee bar, which I can see myself perched at with a cappuccino and the newspaper!
The new Garden Room provides a great space for dining as well as private parties and events with its own private bar. This room in particular has the wow factor with a stunning lit up ceiling and greenery intertwined.
Extensive work has also been carried out in the kitchens to prepare for the new menus which include breakfast, daytime, evening and a prix fixe menu aimed at theatre goers.
Other gorgeous features include the “selfie chair” outside the newly refurbished toilets and the cute booths with little net curtains which look comfortable yet stylish.
There so much to see and its the little details which help make this refit particularly lovely. But overall, what strikes me is that they have understood what the previous problems and limitations were and have worked so hard to resolve them in a practical and stylish way.
Kyle Bate, General Manager at Duttons Chester, said: “It’s an exciting redevelopment in the heart of the city to celebrate Duttons’ 21st year. We’ll be delivering an amazing experience to all our guests, with fresh new cocktails and dining menus in an amazing new setting.
Kyle is right, and not just about the redevelopment. We were treated to a special new cocktail from the menu, the “Duttons 21” which was absolutely delicious featuring Havana #7 rum and Havana #3 rum…you do the maths.
Duttons will offer great hospitality, classic food favourites and fresh, seasonal dishes served alongside fine cask ales and a wide range of spirits, wines and cocktails.
I thoroughly recommend you go and see “good old” Duttons Chester, all dressed up for her 21st Birthday – she’s fresh faced and ready for Fine Times.