A CHESTER city centre restaurant which has been undergoing a significant revamp is to reopen its doors next month.

Upstairs At The Grill will return to the Chester dining scene with a whole new look and some exciting additions.

The team behind the restaurant and cocktail bar, first established in 2002, has been planning these changes for the last two years. Plans included extending the building, enabling them to welcome more guests and reimagining the split-level, Manhattan-inspired restaurant. Elements of the old restaurant have been carefully preserved and fused with some new design features. 

The speakeasy-style cocktail bar upstairs is being reborn, creating an intimate setting to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif. The bar-sofa table remains – a favourite spot for regulars – and guests will also be able to dine on the original oak bar.

In the restaurant downstairs, there has been a dramatic makeover, with some new classic New York-style booths. The redesigned terrace area comes complete with a fully retractable awning for when the sun shines making this little corner of Watergate Street the perfect spot for lunch all year round.

Owner Jason Bligh said: "We are beyond excited to unveil the new look and welcome back guests old and new.

"We don’t want to give all the secrets away, but we will soon reveal our very own 'meat ageing room' and a contemporary wine cellar, that will be home to our extensive wine collection including some of Napa Valley's most sought-after wines."  

Speaking about the new menu, fellow owner Rob Bacon said: "We have always prided ourselves on showcasing some of the finest steaks, whether it be supporting British farmers, the finest beef from the United States or other great cuts and breeds from across the world.

"We have worked closely with our master butcher to source the very best, well marbled cuts from traditional breeds.

"We’re excited to bring back some of our guest favourites such as the Delmonico and New York strip steak, as well as introducing our signature steak selection, such as the Porterhouse. All expertly aged in a state-of-the-art maturation facility including Himalayan salt wall to create perfectly dry aged beef, every time."

Some menu favourites from the past 20 years including the blue cheese souffle and French onion soup, along with the traditional Sunday roast, will be making a return.

The team has announced it is now taking bookings for when the restaurant reopens on May 25.

Upstairs at the Grill will be opening seven days a week from midday, for lunch and dinner.

For more information, visit https://upstairsatthegrill.co.uk/