Barlounge — Restaurant in City of Chester

Myself, husband and son visited today. We were visiting Chester overnight for my son's 2nd birthday and going to the zoo the following day. After looking round for somewhere to eat we picked this place. We were greeted in a warm manner and were offered several places to sit so we could pick which was most suitable for a toddler. The waitress brought us a high chair and a children's menu, with colouring section on the back, crayons and a storybook. We had our drinks order taken almost straightaway and food choices 10minutes or so later. When bringing the cultery the waiter asked what we had been up to that day and we explained the meaning of our trip. Within a few minutes, he had returned with some balloons to go on the table, which were well received by my little boy. Unfortunately, there was then a long wait, by which point my son was getting quite crabby. We eventually spotted the waiter who greeted us (he appeared to be a senior staff member) and informed him that it had been almost an hour since we ordered. He was incredibly apologetic, went to find out what had happened and returned immediately to tell us that the food was being cooked now and that it would all be completely on the house. The food arrived shortly after and was beautiful. Child's portion of battered fish was a small fillet of fish and not just fingers or bites like if imagined. He ate the lot! The fish and chorizo and the camenbert platter were delicious. We were then offered complimentary pudding. We felt we didn't have time as it was almost past my son's bedtime but it was a lovely offer. Had there not been a delay we would have...

Not a problem with barlounge, but their security firm are absolutely terrible, and judging by previous reviews read, we’re not the only ones with a bad experience from them! Last night we had a party booked in and myself and a friend were a little later than the rest. Upon arrival we were told by the bouncer “you’re in trainers, not a chance”. We then had to have the host of the party come and talk to him, and tell him she was going to speak to the manager. He then changed his mind he let us in. He then proceeded to say “no thank you then no?” When we hadn’t even entered yet and was extremely intimidating towards us. The entire time we were there he was staring and watching us although we were just sat at the table we had booked and spent well over £300 at last night. We then looked around and there were countless girls in trainers who had no issues getting after speaking to a couple in the toilet. On the way out I walked past him and my friends followed. He was overheard speaking about me to another doorman and staring at my other friend who was not in heels. We spoke to the girl who looked after our party to make her aware of our experience and she could not apologise enough and informed us she would speak to the manager as there was no reason we should not have been allowed in as you are allowed in in the shoes we were wearing. Her name was molly and she couldn’t have been more understanding and took our feelings into consideration. The only thing I can recommend is that their security firm is updated on dress codes and not so rude towards paying customers. Sometimes I really think your face just...

Couldn't rate this place any higher. Our last spot for dinner on a weekend in Chester. We liked the look of the menu so booked a table. Staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. Drink options were great, my partner tried a couple of the different gin and tonics and I tried a few of the craft beers. All were top drawer. They had a great selection of 'tapas' style foods for starters or mains but we opted for the sharing board of 3 choices for a starter: Mini brioche burgers, Buttermilk chicken nuggets and Halloumi fries. All of them were faultless and so tasty. For our main we shared the Chateaubriand fillet which was out of this world, it came with plenty of what I think we're triple cooked chips, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh watercress dressed on the side. Our desert rounded the meal off perfectly, my partner had the brownie which she was happy to report wasn't so rich that she couldn't finish it as with most brownies; I opted for the plum and almond tart but unfortunately there was none left so I tried the sticky toffee pudding which wasn't a bad substitution as the toffee sauce it was accompanied by was so good! I'd say the price was moderate to high. The craft beer cans were no less than £5, same with the gin and tonics. The food was reasonably priced though. All in all, for sure give this place a look if you're in Chester. You won't be...