'So popular it's hard to get a table': How the new Chester Market became a 'huge hit'

When we reported on the opening of Chester's new market back on November 8, 2022, it was described by some of our readers as being "more of a food court". Cheshire West and Chester Council's move to create a 'modern traditional market' - influenced by venues in London, Barcelona, Stockholm and Altrincham - clearly wasn't going to be to everyone's taste.

But fast forward two years, whether you're a fan or not, there is no denying that the new market has been a tremendous success for the city. Awards have been scooped, all stalls are occupied and the much-visited venue at the heart of the £72m Northgate development is about to welcome its five millionth customer.

In its first year of trading, the new market saw two million visitors pass through the door so it's clear that its popularity is only heading one way. With a wide-ranging food and drink offer - combined with stalls surrounding the main seating area and bar - the market has become a bustling hotspot.

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Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, sums up the impact of the new market, which replaced the previous site based in the old Forum shopping centre building since 1967.

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"It's wonderful to see Chester Market going from strength to strength with all stalls occupied and attracting such quality new goods and service traders whilst continuing to achieve such a huge footfall is a tremendous feat," he said. "The market has helped transform the city centre and is now a huge hit with residents and visitors alike."

You only have to look at some of the Tripadvisor reviews over the past year to see why it's become so popular. One visitor, enjoying a family lunch out in September, described the food on offer as "delicious" with "lots of choice".

"Great atmosphere and quick service," she added. "Staff cleared away quickly and asked if everything was ok. No menus on tables which I have had at Stockport with a similar set up. Enjoyed the visit and would return."

Another reviewer posted in the same month: "My wife and I live in Chester, which has about 270 restaurants and eateries. So there is a wide choice of styles and prices of food. The Chester Market offers a variety of great value-for-money world street food and other retail stalls. It's always got a great vibe.

"One downside is that, at some times, the Chester Market can be hard to find a table as it's so popular. If that's the case, there are plenty of other good eateries nearby."

A visitor from Shrewsbury was equally impressed back in August. He said: "A lovely ambience with a fantastic choice of food and drink. As a non vegan my kebab at Vegan House was a revelation. The next time I visit Chester I will definitely be eating at Vegan House. Give it a try."

The market also went down well with a visitor from the United States, who described it as "beautiful". They posted: "Could spend quite a few hours wandering around. A lot of different shops to purchase items and food hall with a variety of different cuisines. A must visit location."

A reviewer from Coventry gave it five stars, saying: "The market is fairly small but it's a terrific place to meet and eat! Lots of different cuisines to choose from at reasonable prices. Very friendly and it allows dogs."

For some the market's popularity has its drawbacks. A visitor from Manchester said: "Good luck finding a seat! We trekked in on good recommendations for this market and I’m sure the food and drinks merchants have a lot to offer. There was no seating at all though, even after a prolonged period of time waiting for a table and outside of main eating times, so we went elsewhere."

The new market was never going to be a universal hit with residents and visitors to the city but there is no getting away from the fact it's become a hugely-popular venue in the city - and long may it continue.

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