Black House Grill

From Chester Wiki

Contents 1 Blurb 2 Where 3 Atmosphere 4 Prices 5 Food 6 Conclusion 7 Comment 8 Other Reviews

[edit] Blurb

Formerly known as Est Est Est, this place was transformed at the end of last year into the Chester branch of The Black House Grill. The owning company is also responsible for hoisting the swanky Living Room upon us, and is indeed the owner of Est Est Est. And so if you have ever been to The Living Room then you pretty much know what you are going to get with the Black House Grill.

[edit] Where

Situated on Newgate Street, near to Zizzis and the Albion the location offers a good spring board for a night out. Bridge Street (Slug and Lettuce, Kings Head, Bear and Billet and the Cross Keys is only 5 minutes walk away, and Watergate Street (Watergates, Amber Lounge, Bar Lounge and the Custom House) only another couple of minutes on top of that. There is a little plaza (if you can call it that) in front of the Black House Grill that offers the option of dining outside in the warmer months, although don’t expect a glorious view, as you will be sadly disappointed with a view of Dawson’s Music Shop and a busy Newgate Street.

[edit] Atmosphere

If you have ever been to Est Est Est then you will feel immediately at home upon entering the Black House Grill. It is essentially exactly the same, apart from a few fancier chairs and probably a few more tables. This is all rather disappointing to be honest, as I was expecting a more impressive refurbishment. Not that the atmosphere inside is unpleasant. Indeed I always liked the “bustling” feel of Est Est Est and therefore I suppose you could say if it isn’t broke then don’t fix it. This bustling atmosphere remains, indeed on my two visits, both on a Saturday night, every seat was taken and it seemed very busy, although there were no delays in seating or service and the staff were all very professional if a little cool.

[edit] Prices

Now here we come to my main problem with the Black House Grill. It is not cheap. Having said that, it appears to be about in line with some of the other new restaurants springing up around Chester. Expect to pay about £15 for a steak, but of course you now have to pay to get some chips with it. Yes, it’s one of those places where you have to pay if you want chips and vegetables with your steak – annoying isn’t it?

[edit] Food

Although expensive, the food, to my tastes anyway, is of a high quality, and they do offer some variety to the usual menus in Chester. Kobe Beef anyone? You know the stuff, it's from the cows in Japan that live the life of Riley, sipping beer and being stroked on a daily basis (until they are slaughtered). I didn’t try it (£50!) but have promised myself that I will do so when I am a lot richer. They also have ostrich steak, which I was informed by my dining partner tasted a lot like normal steak, but tougher (great?).

[edit] Conclusion

All in all then a pretty good place to eat and while away the hours. Good location in the centre of Chester, enough of a diverse menu to keep you choosing and the food is of a good quality. I could sum it all up by saying that I would definitely go again, which says it all I suppose.

Chesterw 09:48, 28 February 2007 (CST)

[edit] Comment

I too have been to this restaurant and found it to be delightful. A superb change from the usual 'run of the mill' establishments that one can quite easily get bored with. The open kitchen is especially exciting and is unique in Chester - I believe. I must also say that the food was excellent.

The open kitchen is not unique - Pastarazzi has had one for over 10 years!!!!

[edit] Other Reviews

• Chester At Large's review
• A review from Restaurant Guide