Taste Cheshire Celebrates a Chester Icon: Cheers to 25 Years of Barlounge! #Blog

Victoria Hayes
14th April 2025

This week, the clinking of glasses in Chester carries an extra celebratory note. The city’s original independent cocktail bar and restaurant, the beloved Barlounge, is raising a toast to an incredible milestone: 25 years of setting the standard for hospitality in our city!

Since first opening its doors back in March 2000, Barlounge has become more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Founded by the visionary hospitality entrepreneur Neil McDonnell, this iconic venue nestled on the corner of Watergate Street has grown into a cornerstone of Chester’s vibrant social scene, earning its place as one of the most successful and long-standing bars in the entire North West.

What’s the secret to their enduring appeal? It’s a potent cocktail of creative concoctions, an inventive menu that was ahead of the sharing trend, and consistently outstanding service. Barlounge has never rested on its laurels, continually evolving while staying true to the core values that made it a hit from day one.

And who better to attest to this than our very own Director at Taste Cheshire, Tori Hayes? Tori has been a loyal patron since the very beginning and was recently asked by a reporter for her opinion on Barlounge’s success:

“I’ve been attending Bar Lounge since the day opened and from the moment I walked through the door that day, right through to yesterday,  I have been struck by how it raises the bar for hospitality in this City. Very few venues anywhere have the longevity of Bar Lounge, but its success, to me, is no surprise. It is a product of phenomenal hard work and a dedicated and inspiring team who strive to make every experience the best it can possibly be. I know they’re always researching, learning, and developing their offering sometimes in the most subtle of ways, but that is what sets them apart.

Bar Lounge is an icon in Chester and the bar by whom everyone else is judged.“

Tori Hayes, Director, Taste Cheshire

Neil’s journey to finding the perfect location led him across the UK, but it was Chester’s charm, particularly the potential of the old Falchion & Firkin with its outdoor space, that captured his imagination. Inspired by his time in Sweden with his wife Marita, he brought a Scandinavian approach to al fresco dining and drinking, introducing attentive table service – a novel concept for Chester at the time.

Together, Neil and Marita combined their expertise, with Marita expertly managing the crucial operational aspects while Neil and his Swedish team focused on delivering 5-star service, innovative cocktails, and delectable canapés around the clock.

The early days of Barlounge were defined by incredible cocktails, superb service, and quirky food with a Scandinavian twist. Fast forward 25 years, including a restaurant expansion in 2004 and a major refurbishment in 2018, and the core ethos remains. Guests can still expect some of the best cocktails in the region alongside an eclectic menu featuring British classics, global flavours, and of course, the celebrated ‘Bites & Boards’ sharing selection, home to the iconic Barlounge baby sausages!

And let’s not forget the legendary terrace! It has been the backdrop for countless memorable nights out, from themed parties and glamorous lunches to chilled weekend DJ sets. Whether you’re after a casual catch-up, a full-blown celebration, or a lazy afternoon in the sun, the Barlounge terrace remains the place to be seen.

As the team gears up for a season of celebrations, Neil reflects on the vital role the people of Chester have played in Barlounge’s success: “I can’t imagine Barlounge being anywhere other than Chester. Having lived here since 1999, it has become my adopted home… This milestone is as much about them as us, and I hope we get a chance to raise a glass and thank them for their continued friendship and support.”

Business partner Jason Bligh echoes this sentiment, highlighting the incredible team members who have poured their talent, passion, and personality into making Barlounge what it is.

“What a journey it’s been! For me the success of Barlounge is largely down to the amazing team members we have had over the years. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most incredible people in hospitality, and it’s their talent, passion and personality that have made Barlounge what it is. So much blood, sweat & tears have gone into the place, but we’ve partied hard too and enjoyed some of the best nights of our lives. It’s been a blast, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for many more years to come!”

So, what can you expect as Barlounge marks its silver anniversary? An exciting line-up of events throughout spring and summer, including brunches, lunches, retro throw-back events featuring classic cocktails and dishes, the much-loved Sunday Roast, relaxed weekend DJ sets, and some enticing new menu additions.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s wisdom, Neil reminds us that “you can dream and create the most beautiful place in the world, but it always takes people to make the dream a reality.” This perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Barlounge, both past and present.

To join in the celebrations and say “Cheers to 25 Years,” keep an eye on Barlounge’s social media for event booking details. Or simply pop in any day from midday until late to experience the food, fun, fabulous drinks, and fantastic service that have kept this Chester icon at the top of its game for a quarter of a century!

Here’s to the next chapter, Barlounge! Taste Cheshire salutes you!