Salt House Chester to Open in Time for Christmas and we’ve already been!!! #Review
Briony Wilson
26th November 2024
Just in time for Christmas and Chester is receiving a real treat with the Opening of Salt House Chester. Chosen as the first city for the expansion of Spanish restaurant brand Salt House Tapas outside of Liverpool. The much-loved independent restaurant, which first opened in 2010, will open their brand-new second location on Tuesday 26th November, just in time for the festive season.
This brilliant venue is situated on Bridge Street, and the new venue promises to bring Salt House’ signature vibrant atmosphere, modern tapas plates and Mediterranean charm to the heart of Chester. Creating 24 jobs, the 90 cover restaurant will be open from 12pm daily and boasts a charcuterie station, alongside an impressive bar area and open front kitchen. The site has also been made fully accessible.
We were welcomed into a warm and bustling venue and guided to our seats with view of the open kitchen, along with a lovely glass of fizz to cheers the launch of this brilliant venue.
It’s recommended to pick 2-3 dishes per person which is no easy feat there is so many options for everyone on the menu, so we followed the guidance of our lovely server.
We first received the Jamon Croquette closely followed by a second. This was very well received taking us back to the authentic tastes of Spain. The creamy, salty and crunchy perfect little treat. Our seats were prime position to see the food coming from the kitchen, every dish looked spot on and so consistent, but we wouldn’t expect anything else from Lazlo and the team.
It’s not often when you look at a menu and the standout from the description alone is a vegetable, but the Tender stem Broccoli is outstanding. Perfectly cooked, soft tips with crunchy ends, sat on a creamy ajo blanco, and sprinkled with herb and black olive dressing. This was so fresh and I recommend keeping the plate this was the ideal side to the whole menu and all the sauces really complimented the other dishes.
We opted for the Hake with pickled fennel, charred courgette and tomato salsa, we were advised by other diners that we missed out by not trying the seabass- but it would be tough to beat. I guess it’s one to go back for.. and many other reasons. The fish was meaty but flaked to the touch of your fork, the rest of the plate complimented it so well and again compliments to the vegetables which added extra textures and brilliant freshness to the dish.
Next to arrive was the Crisp Pork Belly, with Stornoway black pudding, caramelised onions and mojo verde jus. My pictures do not do this dish justice, the crisp pork belly skin was salty with a great crunch the belly meat so smooth like butter. The black pudding was rich but the onions and mojo verde cut through this so well. Every element was standout alone and event better together.
The Chargrilled Lamb Rump closely followed, and this was cooked perfectly pink just to our liking, the rich jus was all that was needed on the plate with this champion of a dish – a must have for any lamb lovers.
Now I don’t always believe in saving the best for last, which is why we went in chronological order. But our final dish was the highlight of the evening. Slow Braised Pig Cheeks, with truffle mash, baby onions, pork jus and crackling. The cheeks melted in your mouth and were packed with flavour, the truffle mash was a personal favourite already being a truffle lover- this is my no.1 reason to return. The onions added a lovely extra texture and bite to the dish and the jus made us want to lick the plate clean.
It can be a real challenge with Tapas to get enough food and balance the richness and flavours of so many dishes, but you are in safe hands at Salt House. We were advised to leave a little bit of space for pudding and opted for Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Chocolate Basque Cheesecake with PX Cream. We certainly did not need any more food but the desserts were indulgent and warming, the perfect end to a lovely meal.
With Christmas around the corner, Salt House Chester is the perfect place for festive meals, whether it’s a cosy dinner with family, a get-together with friends, or a work celebration. The restaurant will offer both a festive set lunch and dinner menu from their launch date, alongside their classic a la carte.
Co-owner of Salt House Tapas, Matt Robinson, shared his excitement: “Chester has a vibrant food scene and we’re thrilled to bring our unique tapas experience to such a beautiful and historic city. We can’t wait to welcome guests to our new home on Bridge Street.”
The new location will stay true to Salt House Tapas’ commitment to delivering exceptional food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior combines rustic Mediterranean charm with modern touches, setting the perfect stage for unforgettable dining moments.
This venue is certainly one to add to the hit list, we were kindly gifted this experience by Salt House, Chester but all opinions are our own. If you don’t believe us, or even if you do, we thoroughly recommend that you see or yourselves.