#BotanistBirthday

If you've never been to The Botanist (there's one in Chester, Alderley Edge, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester) then you're missing out. I've been to the Chester branch multiple times, because the food is so good it often whispers my name in the dead of night - and the service is delightful too. Oh, and not to mention the cocktails.

Last week, my beautiful girlfriend and I were invited to celebrate the Chester restaurant's first birthday - an exclusive guestlist, ready for a night of cocktails and canapees and giant garden games. We arrived early, which is unheard of for us, and in true blogger style took plenty of photos while we waited for the night to get into full swing. When it did, we were presented with a glass of Prosecco and a little big with tokens and instructions inside. It was all strange and exciting and new.

Outside was giant Jenga, connect-4, hook a duck (which I was rubbish at) and hoopla; but the star of the show was the cake decorating station, with the opportunity to win a meal for two. Sam was amazing, and I was so bad that  to save my dignity I've not included a photo. We had a ball doing it though, and that's the main thing!

Tokens were exchanged for drinks: The Botanist cocktail, which was honestly gorgeous, and a glass of Pimms - not so nice but I drank them anyway... There were shots too, and canapees that included chipolatas, tiny burgers and fried onions. Delish. We rubbed shoulders with PR types and even had a bit of a boogie.

Thanks to all at the Botanist for such a lovely night. Let me know if you do visit the Botanist, you won't regret it.

The Botanist, Chester // Review

I recently moved back to my uni town of Chester, in the North West of England, and to celebrate I went for a meal at The Botanist which is tucked away down one of the little lanes in the city centre, right by the cathedral. The restaurant itself is just the most gorgeous little place - it's decked out with a complete gardening theme, a mish mash of furniture and a chandelier made out of what looks like a motorbike.

The light fixture

We got there 15 minutes before our reservation but we were shown straight to a table upstairs, where we were introduced to our waitress, who's name was Katie - she was an absolute gem all night. She brought us an extra cocktail menu so we wouldn't be fighting over the drinks decisions, and a few minutes later returned to see what we'd chosen. I went for a non-alcoholic cocktail, the Grape, Raspberry and Elderflower Cooler which comes with loads of crushed ice, garnished with fruit and served in a jam jar with a handle - I looooove those glasses. My boyfriend had an English Mojito.

The drinks were delicious, as was the food. My boyfriend order scampi and chips - the fish was served in a tiny picnic basket, and there was a miniature watering can full of Tartar sauce too. I chose the Deli Board, which is 4 items accompanied my Turkish flat bread. I had home-made houmous, roast ham, chorizo and roasted red and yellow peppers, all of which was just lush. The side of cheesy chips were possibly the best cheesy chips I've ever had.

Our food came quickly, and the service all night was just amazing. It's definitely one of my favourite restaurants, and I'd recommend it to anyone - they have restaurants in Chester, Leeds, Alderley Edge and Manchester, and it's definitely worth a visit. For the two of us it came to £40 - a drink each, a main course each, my side of cheesy chips, and my boyfriend also had a pudding, so it's not too expensive.

A lovely girly menu

Decor to die for

Non alcoholic cocktail

The boyfriend's meal, too cute

I hope this review hasn't made you too hungry - let me know if you've ever been to The Botanist, or if you ever plan on going!