Chester Zoo's safari-style lodge resort opens to public for lunch and afternoon tea
You now don't have to be staying in one of the lodges to visit
The Reserve at Chester Zoo(Image: Chester Zoo)
The Reserve at Chester Zoo is opening its doors to non-guests to enjoy the safari-style setting for a delicious lunch or afternoon tea. The Reserve opened last summer offering luxury lodge accommodation beside a savannah-inspired landscape.
Guests staying here are invited to enjoy an extraordinary African-safari inspired escape without having to leave the UK, and now non-residents can enjoy a taste of the savannah too.
Here's what's on offer:
Lakeside Lunches
Diners can take their seats in the Amboseli Restaurant, the stylish heart of The Reserve, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame views across the wild nature lake. On sunny days, dine al fresco on the lakeside terrace, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere while listening to the sounds of nature.
Last month saw the arrival of new Head Chef, Shawn Pinto, who will work alongside existing Pastry Chef, Chitra Karunakarapandi. Shawn joins from the Edwardian Hotel Group and said of his new role: “I’m thrilled to join the team at The Reserve, it’s such a fabulous and interesting environment to work in with giraffe and zebra roaming just a few feet away. I’m looking forward to introducing new dishes using the best of local, seasonal ingredients but with more than a pinch of African flavour.”
The light lunch menu is served Monday to Saturday and features seasonal small plates, vibrant mains as well as a selection of gourmet pizzas and burgers. On Sundays, diners can also enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch menu. New dishes from Shawn will cater for all, including vegan, vegetarian and halal diets and children (Young Rangers) too.
The à la carte menu offers starters from £7.95 and larger plates from £18.50, while a lighter lunch menu also offers sandwiches from £11.50. Sunday lunch is priced at two courses for £26.50 or three courses for £31.50.
Afternoon Tea in the Tsavo Lounge
For something more extravagant, or to treat someone special, step into The Reserve’s elegant Tsavo Lounge to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Here, British tradition meets the wild beauty of Chester Zoo. Indulge in a selection of handcrafted scones and pastries - all inspired by nature - served with sandwiches, fine teas and freshly brewed coffee. Add a glass of bubbles or a cocktail for an extra treat.
Pastry chef Chitra, who joins from The Chester Grosvenor hotel, where she exclusively specialised in afternoon teas, comments: “Nature dictates the menu, and right now, I’m celebrating the arrival of seasonal rhubarb. Look out for some rhubarb specials coming to the afternoon tea menu soon.”
The Reserve will also host a series of themed afternoon teas throughout the year, including a special Mother’s Day celebration across the weekend of 13-15 March. All mums enjoying afternoon tea over the weekend will receive a complimentary glass of English sparkling wine.
Afternoon tea is served 12-4pm Wednesday to Saturday to guests and non-residents. Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at £30 per person, Sparking Afternoon Tea £36 per person, Cocktail Afternoon Tea £38 per person and the Mother's Day Afternoon Tea is £35 per person.
For more information visit chesterzoo.org/accommodation/dine-drink-relax