Cheers! To 25 Years of Barlounge…

Celebrations have kicked off in style this week at Chester’s original, independant cocktail bar, Barlounge, as the team mark a very special anniversary.

Barlounge has clocked up an impressive 25 years of excellence, since the team first launched their unique, premium cocktail bar and restaurant concept back in March 2000.

Founded by hospitality entrepreneur, Neil McDonnell, the iconic venue has gone on to become one of the most successful and long-standing bars in the whole of the north west.

Famed for its creative cocktails, inventive menus (they did sharing before sharing was even a thing) and outstanding service levels, Barlounge has never lost its appeal and remains one of the most popular spot in the city for a day or evening to remember.

When Neil first set-off to find the perfect location for his first bar and restaurant, he toured the UK, but it was Chester that stole his heart. When he viewed the old Falchion & Firkin (formerly The Axe Tavern), nestled on the corner of Watergate Street, he could see the buildings potential, in particular the outdoor area, and set about creating the first incarnation of the Barlounge we all know and love.

Having spent several years working in Sweden, where he met his wife Marita, he was particularly keen to adopt a Scandinavian approach to the outside service area, promoting year-round al fresco dining and drinking, with attentive table service – another first for the city. The couple poured their combined knowledge and creativity into the concept, with Marita overseeing the “boring stuff” as Neil would say, looking after the budgets (with long time accountant & friend Rod Broadwood) all-important cash flow and cleanliness, while Neil & his select Swedish team concentrated on 5 star service, cocktails and canapés and looking after the guests morning noon & night - 24/7.

The early Barlounge offering was all about incredible cocktails, superb service and quirky food options, many with a Scandinavian influence; with Swedish classics such as Pytt i panna, a type of hash dish, all proving popular with guests. Twenty-five years on, following the addition of the new restaurant space in 2004 and a major refurb back in 2018, the ethos remains the same and guests can expect some of the best cocktails in the region and an eclectic menu, packed full of British classics, globally inspired favourites and of course the celebrated ‘Bites & Boards’ sharing selection, that features the now iconic Barlounge baby sausages!

The now legendary terrace has played host to some of the city’s most memorable nights out & parties over the years; from Halloween events and iconic themed trade parties to glamorous lady’s lunches and chilled DJ sets at the weekend. It’s still one of the most popular spots in the city for a catch up with friends, full on party night or, when the weather’s good and the canopy is back, a long lazy day in the sun!

Whatever the occasion, there is no denying that Barlounge is still very much the place to be and be seen.

As the team gear up for a season of celebrations to mark their very special birthday, Neil said that it's been the people of Chester who have made Barlounge what it is and helped keep the bar at the heart of the city’s hospitality scene: “I can’t imagine Barlounge being anywhere other than Chester. Having lived here since 1999, it has become my adopted home. Marita and I have brought our family up here and made so many friends along the way. Now, it’s great to see the 2nd generation of the guests who have literally grown-up alongside us enjoying the place too. And of course, the amazing team who have helped to make it happen – every single one of them has played a part in our success. Chester is such a wonderful city, and we’ve had such an incredible amount of support from both guests, fellow restaurateurs and colleagues across the industry – well most of them anyway!  This milestone is as much about them as us, and I hope we get a chance to raise a glass and thank them for their continued friendship and support.”

The team have an exciting line-up of celebrations planned across the spring and summer; from brunches and lunches to a couple or retro ‘throw-back’ events, and you will definitely see some of the original, classic cocktails and retro food dishes all making a comeback. Add in the regular and much-loved Sunday Roast, relaxed weekend DJ sets and some exciting new menu additions and it’s easy to see why Barlounge is set to be the go-to destination throughout the spring and summer, as it marks its first quarter of a century at the heart of Chester’s hospitality scene.

Adding his thoughts to the upcoming celebrations, Neil’s business partner and long-time Barlounge afficionado, Jason Bligh said: “What a journey it’s been! For me the success of Barlounge is largely down to the amazing team members we have had over the years. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most incredible people in hospitality, and it’s their talent, passion and personality that have made Barlounge what it is. So much blood, sweat & tears have gone into the place, but we’ve partied hard too and enjoyed some of the best nights of our lives. It's been a blast, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for many more years to come!”

Finally, looking back fondly on the past 25 years, Neil said the team’s original motto still stands firm. ‘Borrowed’ from the great Walt Disney, he said the ethos of ‘you can dream and create the most beautiful place in the world, but it always takes people to make the dream a reality’ is what sums up Barlounge both then and now.

To get into the party mood and say ‘Cheers to 25 Years’ keep your eyes on social media to book your space at one of the special events or join us every day from midday until late for the usual mix of food, fun, fabulous drinks and fantastic service that have helped keep Barlounge on their A-game for 25 years!