Small Business Saturday Blog

Set in a gorgeous, converted barn, with a large beer garden that boasts incredible views over the stunning Cheshire countryside, the Chester Fields is rustic yet refined, offering something for everyone. It even partners with a local alpaca farm, making it a firm favourite with families, (and with the wedding parties that have been escorted down the aisle by alpacas - not many venues can say that!)

This innovative and entrepreneurial approach to attracting customers has been a core foundation for the business throughout the pandemic, as it moved quickly to adapt to lockdown and the new restrictions on hospitality.

During the first UK lockdown, The Chester Fields was transformed into a food delivery business, helping out members of the community who struggled to get a supermarket slot, or needed takeaway food, as well as supporting local suppliers. The Chester Fields has strong links with the local producers, with the restaurant winning the Taste Cheshire Best Use of Local Produce in a Menu award every year since 2016.

Managing Director, Mark Jarvis, said: “Being a small, local business is central to what we do. We pride ourselves on making the most of the incredible local produce that Cheshire has to offer, and the fact that our food comes from just around the corner is a massive part of our ethos.”

The past 20 months has seen big changes for The Chester Fields, as with so many other small businesses. After re-opening following lockdown, it increased its outside dining area and installed a professional woodfire pizza oven, launching a new sister business, Oak & Smoke.

Weddings and its famous Sunday roasts have also continued to be a large part of the offering, and the business is currently looking forward to a busy and celebratory Christmas and New Year period.

Mark Jarvis adds: “Our location in the gorgeous Cheshire countryside is one of our strengths. It means we have our beautiful garden, we can support other local businesses like Rack & Ruin Alpacas - who are based here at The Chester Fields – and people can escape out here from the city, and it makes us a superb country wedding venue.

“Having the support of a company like American Express to remind everyone to shop small and local all year round is hugely beneficial and aligns perfectly with our values. Being outside of Chester can sometimes mean we’re overlooked, so being discoverable on the American Express Shop Small map is really helpful in terms of finding new customers.”

“The past year and a half have been so difficult for the restaurant industry. We couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, who have truly rolled with the punches, and our wonderful customers, who have stood by us and supported us through lockdown and beyond. We’re delighted to take part in Shop Small, which reminds people both of the importance of shopping locally and rewards our fabulous customers – it’s win-win.”