So after almost an entire year – and several false starts – The Chester has finally opened its doors. In the time since Beccy and Hamzah left Port Mahon, joining forces with Oxfork Founder Drew, I’ve been pregnant, had a child and celebrated his first bithday – that’s how long it’s been since I’ve eaten one of Hamzah’s legendary steak platters! I’ll be waiting a little longer yet, as the kitchen won’t be opening until 1st October. But fear not fellow foodies, for there may even be the odd venison sausage roll to nibble on in the meantime, or a hog roast if you’re really lucky.

On an earlier visit to meet Beccy and Hamzah we chatted abut the type of food they would be offering, and previous Port Mahon fans can rest in peace knowing the STEAK PLATTER (drool) will indeed be making a comeback, along with lots of lovely roast dinners, plenty of vegetarian options, wifi, gluten free options, coffee, cake, and plenty of local beer. I understand they may even be a vegetarian counterpart to the steak platter!

The Chester is currently opening at reduced hours – 6-11pm Thursday and Friday, 10am till 11pm Saturday and Sunday. Check out their Facebook page for all the latest.

But what of the style? Well, as someone who never saw it in its previous incarnation, I can’t compare the two. Though I can imagine some regulars from ‘back in the day’ may object to the new modern interior, I actually quite like it. Fresh blue paint, copper piping, vintage sofas and big wooden booths – seems like the perfect place for a spot of coffee and cake after taking the kids to the neighbouring park. The once interior entrance porch has now been removed, opening the whole space up. There is an unusual addition of a ‘corner shop’ – some shelves literally in a corner of the pub – offering Newky Brown Ale alongside Yorkshire Tea Bags, bovril and Cornflakes – that’s breakfast all wrapped up then!

So with the doors finally open and with a full menu imminent, get yourself down to The Chester to check it our for yourself. After all this waiting, they would no doubt be grateful of the support.