Chester HQ’s new ABode hotel and Michael Caines restaurant to open their doors

Apr 8 2010 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER HQ’s new hotel and restaurant is finally ready to open its doors next week, as the three-year building project reaches its climax.

The four-star ABode Chester hotel opens its doors for public bookings from Monday, while the Michael Caines restaurant, located on the fifth floor of the HQ building, will be holding a ‘soft opening’ during the week.

Celebrity chef Michael Caines is enthusiastic as the development, which will create about 100 jobs once the complex is fully up and running, nears its conclusion.

He said: “It’s very exciting and great to be involved in a project of this size. The finishing touches are being made and our bar is starting to take shape.

“Nick Hailliday, managing director of Abode Hotels, and myself have been visiting the development over the last few weeks and months, and it’s looking fantastic.

“There will be a soft opening in the restaurant. This means we will be open for the first four days while we train our staff and tweak our system.

“During this time there will be an offer of three courses for £9.95, and in the evening there will be a limited a la carte menu and 25% off all food.

“By Friday night we expect to be fully open.”

Mr Caines, 41, added the hotel and restaurant would be fully up to speed by the time the first Chester Races fixtures take place from May 5-7.

“We will be ready for the extra numbers. It should be quite a busy few days but we will welcome them.”

VIPs will be given a grand tour of the new 85-room ABode Chester hotel and the Michael Caines restaurant and champagne bar next Thursday.