The Ivy Chester Brasserie: Menu, Opening Times and Visitor Guide

The Ivy Chester Brasserie is an all-day restaurant on Newgate Street in the centre of Chester, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails. This guide covers its current opening times, menus, prices, booking arrangements, accessibility, nearby parking and the easiest ways to reach it.

The restaurant occupies a prominent position inside Chester’s historic city walls, close to Bridge Street, Pepper Street, the Roman Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Its elaborate interiors and substantial outdoor terrace make it particularly suited to celebrations, afternoon tea, leisurely lunches and evening meals.

The Chester brasserie opened on 28 April 2026 as the 47th restaurant in The Ivy Collection. It has 163 covers, serves food throughout the day and combines The Ivy’s recognisable decorative style with artwork and design references connected to Chester.

Information and menu prices were checked on 6 August 2026. Opening hours, promotional menus and prices can change, so confirm the latest details with the restaurant before travelling.

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Quick overview of The Ivy Chester Brasserie

The Ivy Chester Brasserie is a smart but relatively informal British brasserie at 32–36 Newgate Street. It is within the inner ring road and a short walk from many of Chester’s principal shops, heritage attractions and hotels.

It is not a visitor attraction with an admission charge. Diners pay for the food and drinks they order, with prices varying considerably between breakfast, fixed-price offers, afternoon tea and the full à la carte menu.

The restaurant is designed for all-day use. You can visit for coffee and breakfast in the morning, lunch while shopping, afternoon tea between 3pm and 5pm, dinner, or drinks later in the evening.

The main restaurant and an accessible toilet can be reached through the main entrance. Free Wi-Fi and baby-changing facilities are also listed among the restaurant’s amenities.

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Key facts

The restaurant’s published hours at the fact-check date are:

• Monday to Wednesday: 8.30am–midnight
• Thursday and Friday: 8.30am–12.30am
• Saturday: 9am–12.30am
• Sunday: 9am–11pm

These are restaurant opening hours rather than guarantees that every menu will be available until closing. Breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and promotional menus have separate serving periods.

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Where is The Ivy Chester Brasserie?

The restaurant is at 32–36 Newgate Street, Chester, CH1 1DE, just inside the historic city walls.

Newgate Street runs south from the city’s central shopping streets towards Pepper Street and the Roman Amphitheatre. The location places the restaurant within easy walking distance of Bridge Street, Eastgate Street, Grosvenor Shopping Centre and the River Dee.

The entrance is at street level and is identified by The Ivy’s green frontage and prominent signage. The outdoor terrace occupies a noticeable part of the frontage and provides a more open, relaxed alternative to the main dining room.

This is a particularly convenient location for combining lunch or dinner with:

• Shopping on Bridge Street and Eastgate Street
• A walk around Chester City Walls
• A visit to the Roman Amphitheatre
• Chester Cathedral
• Grosvenor Museum
• An evening at Storyhouse
• A riverside walk beside the River Dee

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What to expect at The Ivy Chester

Arrival and entrance

The restaurant has a formal-looking exterior, but the experience is designed to cover everything from breakfast to celebratory dinners. On arrival, guests are normally greeted and shown to a table rather than choosing their own seating.

Tables are allocated on arrival. Although you can request a particular area, The Ivy states that individual tables cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Allow enough time to reach the restaurant, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Newgate Street sits close to some of the busiest parts of the city centre, and parking can take longer during race days, Christmas events and school holidays.

Interior and atmosphere

The interior follows The Ivy Collection’s familiar decorative approach, with patterned floors, richly coloured surfaces, foliage, artwork and detailed furnishings.

Local artwork and design features reference Chester’s heritage, while the use of mirrors, planting and bold patterns creates a setting that feels more theatrical than a conventional high-street restaurant. The restaurant was created with 163 covers, so it has a substantial capacity rather than the feel of a small independent dining room.

The atmosphere naturally changes through the day:

• Breakfast tends to be the calmest and most informal period.
• Lunchtime attracts shoppers, visitors and business diners.
• Afternoon tea has a slower, occasion-led feel.
• Early evening works well for pre-theatre and family dining.
• Friday and Saturday nights are generally livelier and more celebration-focused.

Outdoor terrace

One of the Chester restaurant’s most distinctive features is its large outdoor terrace.

It is suitable for breakfast, drinks, lunch and outdoor dining in favourable weather. Planting and decorative furniture soften the urban setting, although this remains a city-centre terrace alongside Newgate Street rather than a secluded garden.

Outdoor tables are likely to be particularly popular during warm weekends and summer evenings. Requesting the terrace when booking may help, but table location remains subject to availability.

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The Ivy Chester menus

The restaurant operates several menus, each with its own serving times. Availability and prices can change seasonally, so check the Chester restaurant page rather than relying on an older photographed menu.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served:

• Monday to Friday from opening until 11.30am
• Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from opening until 11am

At the time of checking, the breakfast special cost £14.95 and included a selected breakfast dish with tea or coffee.

Published breakfast dishes included a full English breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, eggs royale, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, pancakes and lighter plant-based options. Individual breakfast dishes were generally priced separately, with the full English listed at £16.75 when checked.

Breakfast is a useful option for visitors who want to see the interior without committing to a longer lunch or evening meal.

Weekend brunch

Brunch is served on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays between 11am and 4pm.

The menu combines dishes commonly associated with brunch with starters, salads, grills and full main courses. It therefore works for mixed groups in which some diners want a lighter late breakfast while others prefer lunch.

À la carte dining

The main à la carte menu is available:

• Monday to Friday from 11.30am until close
• Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 4pm until close

Published dishes include Ivy favourites such as salt and pepper squid, smoked salmon, steaks, salads, fish dishes and the chocolate bombe.

At the fact-check date, small dishes and table snacks started from around £3.95, starters were commonly around £9–£16, and several main courses were around the high teens or above. Sides were normally charged separately. These examples are a planning guide rather than a fixed price list.

Set menus and seasonal offers

The Ivy frequently runs fixed-price and seasonal menus. These may offer better value than ordering three courses from the à la carte menu, but they usually have restrictions covering days, serving times, party size or promotional dates.

At the time of checking, examples displayed for Chester included:

• A Golden Summer menu at £19.95 for two courses during specified daytime periods
• The Ivy Edition at £34.95 for two courses or £42.95 for three courses
• Sensational Saturday at £50 for three courses, a side and a glass of The Ivy Champagne
• A time-limited £19.66 World Cup menu running from 8 June to 19 July 2026, which had finished by the article’s fact-check date

Promotional menu names and dates change regularly. Check what is available on the day you intend to visit rather than assuming an offer is permanent.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is served daily from 3pm to 5pm.

When checked, it cost:

• £35.95 per person for afternoon tea
• £45.95 per person with a glass of Champagne

The published selection included savouries, finger sandwiches, warm fruit scones, small desserts and a choice of teas or coffees.

Advance booking is advisable. The fixed serving window means there are fewer available sittings than for ordinary lunch or dinner.

Cream tea

A simpler cream tea option is also published between 11.30am and 5pm, subject to the current menu.

At the time of checking, the standard cream tea was £12.95 and included fruit scones, clotted cream, strawberry preserve and a hot drink.

This is a more affordable choice for visitors who want a short break from sightseeing without booking the full afternoon tea.

Vegetarian and vegan food

The restaurant publishes a dedicated vegetarian and vegan selection.

Examples available when checked included plant-based avocado dishes, salads, a vegan burger, gochujang-glazed aubergine and vegetarian starters.

Recipes and menu availability change, so vegan and vegetarian diners should examine the live menu before booking.

Allergies and intolerances

The Ivy says it can cater for some allergies and intolerances, but it cannot guarantee the complete absence of allergens.

Allergy, ingredient and nutritional information is provided through menu QR codes, and customers are advised to speak to staff. The company also states that dishes cannot always be modified, making it important to choose an item that does not contain the relevant allergen.

Anyone with a serious allergy should contact the restaurant before booking and repeat the information to the serving team on arrival.

Cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic drinks

The drinks menu includes cocktails, wines, Champagne, beer, cider, tea, coffee, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Signature cocktails were generally around £13 when checked, although prices vary by drink. Examples included The Ivy Royale and variations on espresso martinis, margaritas and tropical cocktails.

Drinks are served throughout the day. Bar seating cannot generally be reserved solely for drinks, although staff may be able to find space when customers arrive.

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How much does The Ivy Chester cost?

There is no admission price or compulsory dining package. Your total depends on the menu, number of courses and drinks ordered.

A practical per-person budget is:

Breakfast or cream tea

Allow approximately £15–£25 per person, depending on drinks and extras.

Set-menu lunch

Allow approximately £25–£45 per person after adding drinks, sides or supplements to a fixed-price menu.

Afternoon tea

Allow at least £35.95 per person, or £45.95 with the published Champagne option.

À la carte dinner

A starter, main course, side, dessert and alcoholic drink can take the cost substantially above the fixed-menu prices. Review the live menu before booking when working to a firm budget.

Check the final bill for any discretionary service charge and ask the restaurant about current payment arrangements where this matters to your group.

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Do you need to book The Ivy Chester?

Walk-in customers may be accommodated when tables are available, but advance booking is recommended.

Booking is particularly sensible for:

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Sunday lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Chester Racecourse meeting days
• Graduation periods
• December and Christmas-market dates
• Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and other celebration dates
• Larger groups
• Anyone needing a highchair, pushchair space or accessible seating

The restaurant accepts online reservations through The Ivy Collection website. Telephone booking is also available on 01244 337911.

Include babies and children in the total party size. Request highchairs, pushchair space and accessibility arrangements when booking rather than waiting until arrival.

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Opening times

The restaurant’s published opening hours are:

These hours were confirmed from the official restaurant page on 6 August 2026.

Bank holidays, Christmas, New Year and private functions may affect normal hours. Individual menus stop earlier than the restaurant itself; for example, breakfast and afternoon tea have defined service periods.

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How long should you spend at The Ivy Chester?

Allow approximately:

• 45–75 minutes for breakfast or cream tea
• 1½–2 hours for lunch or dinner
• Around two hours for afternoon tea
• Two to three hours for a larger celebration or drinks followed by dinner

Tell the restaurant when booking when you need to leave for a theatre performance, train or other timed activity. This is particularly important for multi-course meals during busy periods.

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Who is The Ivy Chester best suited to?

Couples

The detailed interior, cocktail menu and evening atmosphere make it well suited to date nights, anniversaries and celebratory meals.

Couples wanting a quieter experience may prefer a weekday breakfast, late lunch or early dinner rather than the busiest part of Saturday evening.

Families

Children of all ages are welcome. The restaurant offers children’s menus, highchairs on request and baby-changing facilities.

The surroundings are more formal than a casual family pub, but early lunch and early evening sittings should work well for families accustomed to table-service restaurants.

Visitors with young children

When checked, the Super Kids Menu was designed for children aged three to 12 and cost £15.95 for a drink, main course and dessert. Choices included pasta, fish and chips, sausages, burgers and plant-based alternatives. A separate children’s breakfast menu was £11.95 including fruit juice.

Mention babies, highchairs and pushchairs when booking so that sufficient space can be allocated.

Groups and celebrations

The restaurant is a natural choice for birthdays, graduations and group meals, but decorations and balloons are not permitted.

Customers may bring a celebration cake, although The Ivy states that staff cannot cut or serve an externally supplied cake. The restaurant asks for at least 48 hours’ notice when arranging one of its own celebration cakes.

Larger parties may be offered group menus or bespoke booking arrangements.

Solo diners

Solo guests can use the restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast and quieter weekday periods are likely to feel the most relaxed.

Bar seating may be available without a reservation, but spaces cannot generally be booked for drinks alone.

Older visitors and people with limited mobility

The central position reduces the need for a long walk once you are in the main shopping area. Nevertheless, Chester has historic paving, kerbs and some uneven surfaces.

The restaurant confirms that its main dining area and accessible toilet are reached through the main entrance. Anyone who needs a particular table position should discuss this when booking.

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Visiting The Ivy Chester with children

Children are welcomed rather than restricted to particular dining sessions.

Useful practical points include:

• Count babies and children in the booking total.
• Request a highchair in advance.
• Explain that you require pushchair space.
• Consider breakfast or an early lunch for a calmer atmosphere.
• Check the live children’s menu because prices and dishes change.
• Allow additional time during busy weekend service.
• Bring headphones or quiet activities when a child may find a lively restaurant difficult.

There is no play area, and the restaurant should not be treated as a children’s entertainment venue. Its strength for families is a specific menu and practical facilities within a central, table-service restaurant.

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Dress code

The Ivy Collection’s dress code is smart casual.

Tailored shorts and short-sleeved shirts are permitted in warm weather, but guests are asked to recognise that other diners may be dressed for celebrations.

A jacket, tie or formal evening dress is not normally required. Neat everyday clothing should be suitable, although sportswear or clothing intended primarily for the gym may feel out of place during evening service.

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Accessibility

The official restaurant page states that the main restaurant and bathroom are fully accessible through the main entrance.

Confirmed facilities include:

• Accessible entrance to the main restaurant
• Accessible bathroom
• Baby-changing facilities
• Registered assistance dogs accepted
• Free Wi-Fi

The public information reviewed did not confirm the following specifically for Chester:

• Hearing-loop availability inside the restaurant
• Loan wheelchairs
• A dedicated quiet room
• A published sensory guide
• Detailed measurements for doorways or tables
• Dedicated accessible parking belonging to the restaurant

Customers needing these facilities should telephone the restaurant before travelling.

Assistance dogs

Registered assistance dogs are welcome. Other dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant under The Ivy Collection’s general policy.

Ask about the current terrace policy directly when planning to bring a non-assistance dog, as outdoor arrangements may differ.

Sensory considerations

The ornate interior, patterned surfaces, music, conversation and busy evening service can create a stimulating environment.

Visitors who prefer a quieter experience should consider a weekday breakfast or early lunch. Explain any particular requirement when booking, while recognising that a specific table cannot be guaranteed.

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Toilets and visitor facilities

Confirmed facilities include:

• Customer toilets
• Accessible toilet
• Baby-changing facilities
• Free Wi-Fi
• Table service
• Full food and drinks menus
• Outdoor terrace
• Online reservations

The restaurant does not advertise public lockers or a general cloakroom service. Travel with only what you can comfortably keep with you, particularly during busy sessions.

Contactless and card payments are normally expected at this type of restaurant, but customers who need to pay in a particular way should confirm directly before dining.

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How to get to The Ivy Chester Brasserie

Walking from Chester city centre

The restaurant is within the principal city-centre shopping and visitor area.

From Eastgate Clock, walk along Eastgate Street towards The Cross, continue onto Bridge Street and turn towards Newgate Street. The walk should take only several minutes, depending on your starting point and mobility.

From Chester Cathedral or the Town Hall, allow approximately 10 minutes on foot.

Walking from Chester railway station

Chester railway station is the nearest train station and has direct services linking the city with Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and other regional destinations.

The walk from the station to Newgate Street is approximately one mile and normally takes around 20 minutes. A typical route runs towards Foregate Street, through the city-centre shopping streets and then south towards Newgate Street.

Visitors with luggage or limited mobility may find a taxi or city-centre bus more convenient. Transport for Wales also identifies a RailLink service from outside the station towards Chester city centre.

By bus

Chester Bus Interchange is on Gorse Stacks, north of the principal shopping streets. From there, the restaurant is approximately a 15-minute walk through the city centre.

Bus routes and stops change, so use the operator’s journey planner on the day of travel.

Chester Park and Ride

Park and Ride can be easier than searching for a central parking space during busy periods.

The PR1 route from Wrexham Road Park and Ride serves Pepper Street, which is particularly convenient for Newgate Street. The council describes the Chester Park and Ride network as circular routes linking the car parks with the city centre.

Check the last return bus before an evening reservation. Park and Ride operating hours may finish before the restaurant closes.

By taxi

Taxis can drop passengers close to Newgate Street, subject to traffic restrictions and temporary city-centre closures.

For the return journey, pre-booking may be sensible after a late Friday or Saturday dinner.

By bicycle

Chester can be reached by several cycling routes, but Newgate Street is a busy central location with limited space immediately outside.

Use a recognised public cycle stand and secure the bicycle properly. Do not assume that it can be left on the restaurant terrace or attached to street furniture.

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Parking near The Ivy Chester

The restaurant does not advertise its own dedicated customer car park.

The official Ivy listing currently directs motorists to Chester Delamere Street Car Park, 1 Gorse Stacks, George Street, Chester, CH1 3EQ. This is a sizeable city-centre car park but is not immediately beside the restaurant, so allow time to walk through the centre.

Other possible city-centre parking choices include commercial car parks around Pepper Street and Newgate Street, subject to current access, opening times, tariffs and space availability.

Because operators and charges can change, check the following before setting off:

• Closing time
• Evening tariff
• Maximum stay
• Whether overnight parking is permitted
• Blue Badge arrangements
• Vehicle-height limit
• Payment method
• Walking route after the car park closes

A nearby space should not be assumed on Chester Racecourse dates, December weekends or during major city events.

Park and Ride is often the less stressful option for a daytime visit, particularly when the PR1 Pepper Street stop is operating.

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Best time to visit

For a quieter meal

Choose a weekday breakfast or an early weekday lunch. The restaurant is likely to feel calmer, and nearby streets are generally easier to navigate than on a Saturday afternoon.

For atmosphere

Friday and Saturday evenings offer the liveliest setting but are also the periods when advance booking matters most.

For outdoor dining

Late spring and summer offer the best chance of using the terrace. Outdoor seating remains dependent on weather and table availability.

During Chester Racecourse events

Expect the city centre to be busier before and after racing. Parking demand, taxi availability and restaurant bookings can all be affected.

At Christmas

Chester becomes particularly busy during the Christmas-market period. Reserve your restaurant table and parking arrangements well ahead, or use public transport.

For afternoon tea

Book within the published 3pm–5pm serving period. A midweek date should normally feel less rushed than a Saturday.

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Nearby attractions

Chester Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre is only a short walk from Newgate Street. It is an easy addition before lunch or dinner and does not require a lengthy detour.

Chester City Walls

Access points to Chester City Walls can be found nearby. A walk along the walls provides views over the Roman Amphitheatre, Cathedral Quarter and other historic areas.

Grosvenor Museum

The Grosvenor Museum on Grosvenor Street covers Chester’s archaeology, social history and decorative arts. It can be combined with lunch or afternoon tea at The Ivy.

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is around a ten-minute walk through the central streets. Its position close to shops and The Rows makes it straightforward to include in the same itinerary.

Eastgate Clock and The Rows

Eastgate Clock and Chester’s two-level Rows are among the city’s most recognisable sights. Both lie between the restaurant and the Cathedral Quarter.

River Dee and The Groves

Walk down towards the River Dee after lunch for riverside views, seasonal boat trips and a gentler change of atmosphere from the shopping streets.

Storyhouse

Storyhouse is a practical partner for an early dinner or post-performance drink. Tell the restaurant when booking when you have theatre tickets and must leave by a particular time.

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Suggested half-day itinerary

Morning and lunch

10am: Begin at Chester Cathedral.

11am: Walk through Eastgate Street, see Eastgate Clock and explore The Rows.

12pm: Continue towards the Roman Amphitheatre and nearby city-wall section.

1pm: Have lunch at The Ivy Chester Brasserie.

3pm: Walk down towards The Groves and the River Dee.

This route keeps most locations within a compact area and avoids repeatedly crossing the city.

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Suggested afternoon and evening itinerary

2pm: Visit the Grosvenor Museum.

3.30pm: Book afternoon tea at The Ivy Chester Brasserie.

5.30pm: Walk part of Chester City Walls or visit Eastgate Clock.

7.30pm: Attend a performance at Storyhouse or continue for drinks elsewhere in the centre.

When booking a performance, leave sufficient time for the walk and ticket collection rather than scheduling the restaurant sitting too tightly.

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Local tips for visiting The Ivy Chester

Reserve the right menu

Selecting a normal table does not always guarantee that a time-limited menu will be available. Check the menu’s serving days and hours before confirming your reservation.

Check what is included

Set menus may exclude sides or carry supplements for particular dishes. Read the live menu before comparing it with the à la carte prices.

Mention deadlines

Tell the restaurant at the start when you have theatre tickets, a train or another fixed departure time.

Do not rely on terrace seating

Request an outside table, but prepare to dine indoors if the weather changes or the terrace is full.

Allow extra parking time

A car park may be geographically close but still require navigating Chester’s one-way streets and city-centre traffic.

Consider breakfast

Breakfast provides a less expensive way to experience the restaurant’s interior and is generally easier to fit around a full sightseeing day.

Give allergy information twice

Provide allergy information when reserving and again to the serving team. Do not rely entirely on booking notes.

Check seasonal offers close to your visit

The Ivy frequently changes fixed-price and promotional menus. A menu seen several months in advance may no longer be available.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is The Ivy Chester Brasserie?

The Ivy Chester Brasserie is at 32–36 Newgate Street, Chester, CH1 1DE, inside Chester’s historic city walls.

When did The Ivy Chester open?

The Ivy Chester Brasserie officially opened on 28 April 2026.

What are The Ivy Chester opening times?

It opens at 8.30am Monday to Friday and 9am at weekends. Closing time is midnight Monday to Wednesday, 12.30am Thursday to Saturday and 11pm on Sunday.

Do you need to book The Ivy Chester?

Advance booking is recommended, especially for afternoon tea, weekend evenings, Sunday lunch, race days and larger groups. Walk-ins may be accepted when space is available.

How much is afternoon tea at The Ivy Chester?

At the fact-check date, afternoon tea cost £35.95 per person or £45.95 with a glass of Champagne. It was served daily from 3pm to 5pm.

Does The Ivy Chester serve breakfast?

Yes. Breakfast is served from opening until 11.30am Monday to Friday and until 11am on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Does The Ivy Chester have a children’s menu?

Yes. The restaurant publishes children’s breakfast and main dining menus. Highchairs and pushchair space should be requested when booking.

Is The Ivy Chester wheelchair accessible?

The official website states that the main restaurant and a bathroom are fully accessible through the main entrance.

Does The Ivy Chester have parking?

The restaurant does not advertise a dedicated customer car park. The official listing suggests Delamere Street Car Park, while other public car parks are available around the city centre.

What is the dress code at The Ivy Chester?

The dress code is smart casual. Formal evening wear is not required, but guests are asked to dress respectfully because many customers visit for celebrations.

Are dogs allowed at The Ivy Chester?

Registered assistance dogs are welcome. The Ivy Collection’s general policy does not allow other dogs inside its restaurants.

Does The Ivy Chester have outdoor seating?

Yes. The Chester brasserie has a substantial outdoor terrace. Tables are subject to weather and availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Does The Ivy Chester offer vegan food?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available, although the selection changes seasonally. Check the current menu and discuss allergies separately.

How far is The Ivy from Chester railway station?

The restaurant is approximately one mile from Chester railway station. Allow around 20 minutes to walk, or use a taxi or city-centre transport connection.

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Final verdict

The Ivy Chester Brasserie is best suited to visitors seeking an attractive, centrally located restaurant that can handle anything from breakfast and afternoon tea to cocktails and a celebratory dinner.

Its main strengths are its all-day opening, extensive menu choice, decorative interior, terrace and proximity to Chester’s principal shops and heritage attractions. It is particularly convenient for couples, family occasions, graduation meals and visitors combining dining with the Roman Amphitheatre, City Walls or River Dee.

Potential limitations include the absence of dedicated customer parking, the possibility of a lively atmosphere at peak times and a pricing structure in which drinks, supplements and side dishes can raise the final bill.

Advance booking is recommended for popular sessions. Check the official Chester restaurant page shortly before travelling because menus, prices, seasonal promotions and opening arrangements may change.