Some say a Chester food tour is a fair weather thing…
…these individuals are wrong, so wrong!
The guided food tour I’m running in Chester does involve a walking tour and sightseeing, and that is outdoors. No getting away from it. Yet even in the rain a guided food tour is still a blast. We eat and drink indoors (mostly) at the various food stops along the route. It’s a great feeling stepping into a cosy pub for a warm, then heading back out in search of a candle lit restaurant (in a trendy way), or a bar with low lighting in one of Chester’s most historical buildings. Tour goers recently survived Storm Darragh, as did I, although the jury’s still out as to the wisdom of that one. All I know is we had a great time, and if the tour guests were willing to get rain in their face and all our beautiful hair was ruined, so be it.
Assuming you use British Winter survival skills, going on a tasting adventure is as much fun as in the Summer.
Surviving a Food Tour in Winter – the basics:
- Sensible footwear – Yes please.
- Umbrella – It’s a good idea, but I bring a spare.
- Big coat – Standard practice. Wrap up warm, get padded.
- Mac in a Sac or similar waterproof – What I’ve learned is even if you have a fluffy hood and puffer, it’s still going to let the rain in.
- Gloves and thick socks – Keep your extremities toasty.
- Layers – Layer up, because as soon as you get in a venue, you’ll be too warm. This is England.
Chester is beautiful in Autumn, plus the food tour menu changes with the seasons. I only visit independent restaurants and they all have their menu changes in keeping with the seasons. Come mid-November there are added bonuses, and I do believe this! The river looks stunning, the city is covered in light and the Christmas markets are buzzing. All the festive goings on give Chester a unique atmosphere. I have chosen some great venues to visit, and they change depending what day you book on your tour, but all are festooned with Christmas cheer and a welcome glow when the days are that bit shorter and the sky that bit darker.
Guided tours are prefect for getting you out when the weather is depressing.
Food Tours should not be decided against because it’s going to rain and be cold (although I totally understand wariness due to amber weather warnings). You will miss out on so many adventures if you think like that! We do still walk around the city and brave Chester’s Roman walls. If it is really horrendous the world famous Chester Rows provide a covered, 13th century walkway to hide under. I know the city and all the places to duck into to avoid hyperthermia, I’ve made it my business. There is a lot to be said for getting out on a beautiful Autumns day, a guided tour can give you a real lift! Taking a tour of Chester in between bites and sups is such a different tour experience. It’s proven, fresh air will do you good. Plus you’re not made of salt, as granny Sinclair used to say…
Yes, it’s great to go for hearty lunches when it’s miserable outside and you want to spend time with friends. But consider this; walking food tours offer a smorgasbord of eateries. Each one an independent and different from the last. This is a special way to eat out and appreciate the city.
Don’t just come to experience a Chester Food tour, stay and enjoy a Winter city break.
Experience a true taste of Chester at a time when all sorts of interesting things are going on. Chester has excelled itself in 2024 with events around to encourage tourists to visit whilst the Christmas markets are on. Storyhouse has things happening, Chester Zoo has a spectacular light show and lantern parade. Chester Cathedral is full of Christmas trees, Santa is at the Castle. It’s all going on with parades and festivals for a fabulous atmosphere in Chester City Centre.
Winter means offers, discounts (think evening meals and shopping), all sorts to intended to drag you from your house to enjoy the city in all it’s festive glory. Come for the weekend, enjoy a day on a food and drink tour. You can then spend the rest of the time delving into the best bars, restaurants, theatres and markets on offer! With expert recommendations from your food tour guide. And for a wine, I’ll take you there myself.
