The Living Room
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It’s really not hard to guess why The Living Room in Chester is thriving. The Living Room has style. Put simply, this is somewhere you want to spend your time. There is a general consensus that we tend to make our judgements about a person within the first thirty seconds of meeting them. Now as much as we may like to disagree, there certainly is an element of truth in this and I would argue that the same can be said of a place. Aesthetics are important.
If I walk into a dingy hole full of sour-faced staff, it will not matter how great the food, drinks or entertainment are I will not enjoy myself. Instead I’ll ponder on the terrible décor and wonder why on earth the employees ever chose, or were chosen, to work in the service industry, which will inevitably ruin my evening and swiftly ensure that I never return to said venue again, ever.
Thankfully, The Living Room in Chester couldn’t be more different. Customers are greeted at the door by exceptionally friendly staff who genuinely lead you to believe that they are delighted by your presence. A welcome contrast to some places I have visited. The bar area is spacious, light and modern but without pretence and if you need to rest your feet after a tough day’s shopping then comfortable leather sofas invite you to sit and while a way a few hours with friends. But be warned, the elegant VIP suite awaits only those lucky enough to be invited to hold a gold card, so get charming the management guys and girls!
I could easily lose time in a place like this. Drinks are on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. Champagne cocktails caught my eye, as did the large selection of beers available, but I was impressed to see that they also insist on stocking up on a good number of guest wines as well - an essential companion to any meal!
The Living Room menu is comprised of either solid, European inspired, dishes or simple home comfort ‘gastro pub’ fare made with the highest quality ingredients and prepared with a great deal of enthusiasm and skill. The Living Room’s aim is to entice food lovers through the door. If a good night out must include great food, wine and service in relaxed, comfortable surroundings you will easily find all expectations met and even surpassed here. In fact this venue has a reputation for being the most romantic of the thirteen Living Rooms and although the team are more than capable of catering for large groups many couples simply come to enjoy the intimacy and privacy of this dining experience.
New Events and Marketing Coordinator Jack Latham is working hard to ensure that the Living Room’s contemporary yet mature attitude towards dining and socialising continues to delight the guests. There’s live jazz on Sundays that often includes a pianist at the baby-grand piano, or Thursday’s to Saturday’s visitors can experience some of tomorrow’s musical talent today. If your tastes are slightly different then have fun and learn something new with a poker tutorial or cocktail masterclass. Also, after the Christmas festivities, keep an eye out for what else is happening at this exciting venue as I’ve heard whispers of seasonal beauty evenings and even ‘culture vulture’ events that include tickets to the theatre along with a sumptuous evening meal.
If you don’t already have tickets for the ‘New Year in the City’ event on New Year’s Eve you’ll need to hurry, at just £10 for members and £15 for non-members with complimentary champagne on arrival, you really don’t want to miss out on this fabulous gathering. Or push the boat out and book the delicious three-course meal, at only £62.50 per head it’s an absolute must for such a special occasion.
So to sum up, The Living Room is by no means the newest venue in town, and it shows. This place is mature, sophisticated and stylish, which perfectly mirrors the cliental that it attracts time after time. It is a venue that welcomes its guests with open arms and ensures that each and every one leaves with a rather large smile on their faces!
Sophie McKeand
Freelance writer for cheshireguide.com
www.sophiemckeand.com
