Oddfellows Chester, the city’s most iconic and quirky venue, has officially celebrated its grand relaunch, welcoming guests back to experience its unique charm, lively atmosphere, and heartfelt hospitality.
The much-loved destination, originally opened 16 years ago by Chester champion Izzy Grey, has returned to its roots under the management of Brightstar Hospitality. Izzy, now Marston, has joined forces with General Manager Sam Tomkins and the dedicated Oddfellows team to restore its reputation as Chester’s most delightfully “odd” venue.
The revitalised Oddfellows reintroduces its original concept: a high-end bar featuring beautifully crafted drinks, an all-day contemporary brasserie menu highlighting the best local and seasonal produce, and an energetic soundtrack of sublime music. The venue’s famous Secret Garden has been lovingly refurbished into a serene city-centre oasis with attentive table service for guests and residents alike.
The celebratory relaunch weekend featured a vibrant VIP party where Chester’s Town Crier heralded a new era for Oddfellows. Guests were welcomed by whimsical characters — the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and Alice herself — in a nod to the venue’s magical, playful spirit and arrival fizz was provided by multi-award-winning ThinK Wine Group.
Saturday night marked the debut of Wonderland, a new fortnightly DJ event in collaboration with the much-loved DJ John Locke, who returns to Chester for his hotly anticipated residency. Over 200 guests danced the night away, while The Secret Garden offered a relaxing chill-out space for drinking and chatting.
Owner Douglas McGeorge commented, “It was wonderful to see Oddfellows return to its party best. It is such a unique, warm and engaging venue. The whole team should be very proud of the standards they have set.”
Izzy Marston added, “I am delighted to have returned to my spiritual home after all this time and am so lucky to be working with Sam and the rest of the team, who are just as excited as I am for what lies ahead. I can feel the magic returning, and I cannot wait to create countless special memories for our guests, residents and team members. Oddfellows is back, and the future looks very bright indeed.”
Sam Tomkins, General Manager of Oddfellows, also shared his enthusiasm for the future of this extraordinary venue, “I am so pleased to be helping Oddfellows regain its position in the city as somewhere special offering authentic and genuine hospitality to locals and visitors alike. The whole team is super excited to be involved in the next chapter of the Oddfellows story.”
Oddfellows Bar is open seven days a week, with the Brasserie serving from midday Wednesday through Sunday. A dedicated events team is also on hand to deliver magical weddings, meetings, and celebrations.
Regular Events Include:
Fridays – Sundowner from 6 PM
Saturdays (fortnightly) – Wonderland DJ Nights from 8 PM
Sundays – Sunday Sessions with live music from 1 PM
Launching Saturday 24th May – Geddes and Gioia’s Monthly Bottomless Brunch from midday.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: Izzy Marston, [email protected]
www.oddfellowschester.com
