Duttons

From Chester Wiki

Contents 1 Blurb 2 Where 3 Atmosphere 4 Prices 5 Food 6 Other Stuff

[edit] Blurb

Dutton's is a favourite society venue and popular with the "ladies who lunch" crowd and (unsurprisingly) it gets very busy at lunchtimes - be prepared to queue, but don't miss it. Also very busy with the after-work crowd who drop in for a glass of wine after leaving the office. While Baldrick would have nipped round the corner to The Boot, Blackadder would have supped here in style.

[edit] Where

Tucked away in ancient Godstall Lane (or is that Leen Lane) "tight close hallowed home" (ie, a narrow alley) of lingerie and jewellery, and thus largely known only to locals and the lost.

[edit] Atmosphere

Laid-back, even when bustling and full. Classy without pretension, raised eyebrows or whatever. The staff are always friendly and helpful. This place is as traditionally English as The Groves is colonial.

[edit] Prices

Moderate - the menu is on the website at last (see information panel).

[edit] Food

Gastro-pub food. The menu is fairly standard but won't disappoint. The burger and chips was once a legend in its own lunchtime.

[edit] Other Stuff

Dutton is an old name in Chester, with evidence close by at Dutton hall or at Dutton Viaduct (both near Preston Brook). "Dutton" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Dun-ton" (literally "downtown" or "settlement on a hill"). It was given to the French in the Doomsday Book, but later given to one Adam de Dutton at the time of Henry II. Links to the Dutton past can be found here. The Duttons are mentioned in several old works, including, most notably, in Leyester's Historical Antiquities. There are a large number of Duttons still in Chester, in various businesses. However, it's worth remembering that the ancient family of Dutton, had jurisdiction over the minstrels and pipers of the county, so as regards entertainment they are probably a very good bet. The Duttons used to hold the Minstrel Court in Chester and how they got that role, rescuing Ranulf of Blundeville is told in sculpture at the Town Hall.

The bottom line is that those in the know found this place years ago and realised it was bang-on.