A pub located at the heart of Chester Zoo has picked up a huge Tripadvisor award after it was ranked in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.
The Oakfield at Chester Zoo – which only opened doors two years ago – has been handed an esteemed 2020 Travellers’ Choice Award by the world’s largest travel website Tripadvisor, which is based on customer feedback submitted by users.
This accolade follows the loving refurbishment of the Grade II listed house, which was once home to the zoo’s founder George Mottershead, into the pub.
George and his family moved to The Oakfield in 1931 to begin building what is now the UK’s most visited zoo.
A pioneer of his time, George lived out his dream to create the world’s first ‘zoo without bars’, which would forever change the way that exotic animals are cared for.
ADVERTISEMENT
From a family home, a tea room, an aquarium and now a contemporary British pub that celebrates the zoo’s rich heritage, visitors can to The Oakfield can relax in the Mottershead’s former library, or enjoy a meal in the rooms which were once part of the family home.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDl9gaTF6XL/
Speaking on the announcement of the award, Simon Lockhart – Chester Zoo’s Food and Beverage General Manager – said: “The Oakfield has only been open for two years, so to gain such a major accolade in this short space of time is a brilliant achievement, and what makes this award all the more special to us is that it’s based entirely on real opinions and genuine, honest feedback from our guests.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The Tripadvisor team analyses thousands of reviews and ratings from travellers everywhere before handing out this honour – that’s why it means such an awful lot.
“I’m so proud of the team’s hard work and dedication to make our pub such an exceptional place for our guests. The Oakfield has retained the original details of the house to give it a real ‘home from home’ feeling, with precious family photos showing what the zoo was like at the very beginning. Rooted in history, it’s the real centrepiece of the zoo, where guests relax outside on the terrace and admire the beautiful grounds, or cosy up in front of the fire and enjoy the best freshly-prepared, locally-sourced food.
“The award has really given us a boost during what is a really challenging time for the zoo.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The pandemic, and our long period of closure, has pushed our wonderful charity to the brink, but we’re so glad to have again been able to open our doors and continue to provide our guests with a fantastic dining experience with a difference.”
The Oakfield
A trip to The Oakfield is worth more than just grabbing a pint and a bite to eat too.
Did you know that all of the revenue generated by The Oakfield supports the Chester Zoo’s crucial conservation work to protect endangered species from extinction?
It’s also a vital source of income for the charity zoo in its ongoing battle to protect its future.
The Oakfield is also taking part in the #EatOutToHelpOut scheme every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the remainder of August and you can get up to 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks as many times as you like.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whilst walk-ins may be able to be accommodated, it’s always advised to make a reservation in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.
All bookings can be made and more information / menus can be found via The Oakfield’s website here.
Trending
Manchester’s big wheel is returning to Exchange Square for the summer… sort of
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to reach new heights, as the big wheel that once stood proudly in the city centre is making a comeback this summer.
Well… sort of.
That’s because it’s not quite the same big wheel that many will remember from its glory days in locations like Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square throughout the 2000s, and more recently Albert Square during last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets – but it is a big wheel and it’s a big wheel that you’ll be able to hop on for a ride.
Celebrating the launch of its new Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range, Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday and Saturday (24 and 25 July), inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below from a big Ferris wheel.
The two-day takeover will give customers the chance to unlock a ride on the big wheel with the purchase of any Grande or Venti iced drink from participating Manchester city centre Starbucks stores.
Both in participating stores – which in Manchester are Starbucks stores in the Arndale, City Tower Offices, on Market Street and on Fennel Street – and at the Ferris wheel itself in Exchange Square, you can expect complimentary Cloud Frappuccino-inspired candy floss, live music from DJ and presenter Ethan Porte, and a free photobooth with digital and printed photos.
Alongside the big wheel ride, there’ll also be the chance for members to win exclusive Starbucks merchandise across the two days too.
A limited number of additional ferris wheel ride tokens will also be available to win via the fairground-style Plinko game on site.
The new Starbucks Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range includes a range of bespoke creations like the Strawberry Matcha Cloud Frappuccino, the Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino, and the Caramel Mocha Cloud Frappuccino.
With skyline views and summer sips, Starbucks says its Summer in the Clouds is set to be one of Manchester’s must-visit experiences this month.
Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
Featured Image – Cédric Dhaenens (via Unsplash)
Trending
Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2020 
