Chester Zoo gastropub to open all Friday evenings in February

For the first time, The Oakfield, which was once home to the some of the first animals to live at the zoo, is set to welcome guests outside of regular zoo opening hours.

Chester Zoo is to open its award-winning gastro pub, The Oakfield, to the public every Friday evening in February. Picture: Chester Zoo.

Doors will be open every Friday evening throughout February from 5pm-11pm, with pub visitors able to access via the zoo’s new events entrance on Caughall Road in Upton.

Standing at the heart of the charity zoo since it was first opened in 1931 by George Mottershead, the zoo’s founder, The Oakfield is steeped in history and was once home to species including lions, bears, chimpanzees, pelicans and parrots.

In 2018, the impressive Grade II-listed building was lovingly restored and turned into a gastropub, serving a menu of locally sourced and freshly prepared food and drinks.

It has since gone on to win a host of accolades, from regional Taste Cheshire Awards to the international Traveller’s Choice Awards hosted by TripAdvisor – ranking the pub in the top 10 per cent of all of the world’s restaurants.

Chester Zoo is to open its award-winning gastro pub, The Oakfield, to the public every Friday evening in February. Picture: Chester Zoo.

Jamie Roberts, food and beverage manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Since The Oakfield reopened in 2018 it has become renowned for its fantastic, fresh food offering.

"We’ve received some brilliant feedback from zoo visitors – both those from the local area and those coming from further afield. Over the years guests have asked us countless times if The Oakfield could remain open in the evenings, so we thought we’d trial it – who wouldn’t want their local to be inside a zoo surrounded by thousands of animals?

“So, from the beginning of February, we’ll be opening our doors to the public every Friday from 5pm-11pm, for people to come and enjoy The Oakfield and all it has to offer after the zoo has closed its gates for the day. Whether you’d like to enjoy our tasty menu or would simply like to pop by for a drink, all are welcome to join us right in the heart of Chester Zoo.

“And best of all, everything we make at The Oakfield contributes to the zoo’s vital conservation work – meaning you can enjoy a nice pint or a glass of wine at the end of a busy week knowing that you’re helping to protect endangered species from extinction with every sip.”

Chester Zoo is to open its award-winning gastro pub, The Oakfield, to the public every Friday evening in February. Picture: Chester Zoo.

The extended opening hours for The Oakfield is the latest initiative by the zoo to open for longer to the public. As well as its Lanterns and Light trail before Christmas and special evening visits in the summer, it is planned for spectacular safari-style overnight hotel lodges to be built near the zoo's entrance. Those plans – which were scaled back from ones submitted in 2022 due to increased cost of raw materials – are due to be decided by Cheshire West and Chester Council.