Since Beccy and Hamzah said goodbye to The Port Mahon to team up with Drew Brammer (of Oxfork fame), leaving a trail of steak-hungry punters in their wake, we’ve been waiting with baited breath for The Chester to open it’s doors. After months of delays, The Chester in Oxford finally seems set to open at the start of June – so what can we expect from this eagerly anticipated addition to the area?

Well, for a start, YES the steak platter (see below) will be on the menu. Huzzah! Let’s not pigeon hole them though, Hamzah clearly knows how to cook more than just steak… expect plenty of vegetarian choices, proper home cooked roast dinners, deli salads, stews, more sharing dishes and brunches – they’re aiming to open as a cafe Thursday to Sunday mornings – with a weekly changing menu. Plus, with skate park goers in the vicinity, they’re planning a few takeaway options too, like soups and burgers. The team at The Chester also plan to cater for local dog walkers, by welcoming dogs and possibly providing a few tasty treats for them too.

But why the delay? Well, with two houses being built in the old pub carpark, there were unexpected delays with the developers, knocking back the opening date not once, but twice. Developer disasters finally abated, things seem to be moving forward, with a planned ‘soft launch’ for the end of May and full launch from Saturday 31st May or Sunday 1st June. The pub restaurant should seat around 75 indoors, with further seating available in the garden, only around six or seven tables will be available for booking though with the rest available on a first come, first served, basis.

So I continue holding my breath, with steak knife at the ready… watch this space for further updates.