The Botanist

Like any website or blog it is important to keep it up to date and current. Part of this process entails visiting some of the City’s many social outlets as often as possible. Sometimes it may mean having to spend a couple of hours in a quality, popular city centre bar. What a job!! Well, somebody has to do it I suppose. With that in mind, I visited the Botanist last Saturday (7th October). My initial verdict was that it did fit into my earlier description. It is a quality, popular city centre bar.

Why visit the Botanist? Well, two reasons really. The first one was because I have been hearing so many good things about the place. The second reason was so that I could take a trip down my own Memory Lane. A visit to the Botanist would also enable me to cast my mind back to the days of the 90’s. In those days, the Botanist was known as Joe’s Wine Bar. A regular haunt for myself and my drinking buddies. This is not the correct post to extol the virtues of Joe’s and all who drank in it. I will do that in another post in my Chester Memories Section. So, back to the Botanist.

The Botanist

The Botanist-St Werburgh Street, Chester

The Botanist, located in St Werburgh Street, Chester is a two minute walk from Chester Cathedral. Ideally located in Chester city centre, the Botanist is a popular venue for visitors of all ages. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked in. The first thing that did hit me was the decor. Not being an interior designer I probably won’t be able to do a description of the decor justice. To me though it looked homely, somewhat quirky in a relaxing way and so very in keeping with a secret garden theme.

The other really noticeable thing that struck me was the atmosphere. I don’t know about you but I think I can get a feel for a place virtually as soon as I walk through the door. The atmosphere for me came over as being very relaxed and friendly. No blaring jukebox, no Sky Sports and no fruit machines to be seen. An ideal place for you to come in and switch off in a totally relaxed environment. There was a good number of customers in there as well.

As I was supposed to be there ‘working’ I thought I would try a coffee. Even though my taste buds were hankering for a cheeky pint of real ale. As well as a good selection of real ale, the Botanist is famous for its cocktails.

A “Steaming Plant Pot?”

While waiting for my coffee I did witness at first hand a couple of cocktails being concocted. In keeping with the “botanist” theme, the cocktails were very, how do I put it…..planty!! (if that’s a word?). I am not exactly sure of the ingredients but the combination of drinks were served into a plant pot. The last ingredient of which caused a trail of steam to exude out of the plant pot. So very different and so very enticing. Did I also detect the presence of herbs in the cocktails?

What’s Upstairs?

A wander upstairs also revealed a well populated seated area with a good mixture of customers enjoying a wide variety of drinks. I managed to speak to one of the regulars in there who enlightened me on the regular events The Botanist provides. In particular, he suggested that the Music Bingo held on the last Sunday of the month was worth attending. The next Music Bingo night therefore will be on Sunday 29th October.

Is It Worth Going To The Botanist?

The short answer is, most definitely. My late night out days are behind me now, so I’m not sure you would see me in there at 2am on a Friday or Saturday night. But that’s the thing. The Botanist is popular for a cross section of customers at a variety of times. I think I might stick to a Saturday afternoon, or an ‘early doors’ visit. But next time, I will not be ‘working’ so I can sample a real ale instead of a coffee. (The coffee was very nice by the way). I may also try a quick bite to eat from the menu as well.

So, if you are a regular, I can understand why you are. If you’re not, or a visitor to our beautiful city, then you should really pop in there. You won’t be disappointed.

You can see more of what The Botanist has to offer HERE.

If and when you do pay The Botanist a visit, pop back here and let us know what you think. And if you sample the ‘Steaming Plant Pot’ you really must let me know if it’s as good as it looks!!

Enjoy your visit to The Botanist.