About – Things to do in Chester
Chester on a Plate Food Tours Chester on a Plate Food Tours
I’m Steph, founder of Chester on a Plate Food Tours.
My heart definitely lies with food, travel, but I have a love rambly walks, history, and all things creative. The About Us is my food loving background and what led to me starting Chester on a Plate Food Tours.
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy my work and I’ve owned artisinal food businesses for over 25 years. In 2007, I launched a chilli sauce business (King Charles tasted our chilli jam!) that traded globally.
Our artisan products won numerous awards globally and although hardwork, I loved the food festivals and creating recipes.
A wine deli and catering business near Chester followed and was awarded ‘Best New Business in the Northwest’ by the Princes Trust (a very proud moment, that I go on about!)
Following a third kidney transplant I opted to sell up, move abroad to work and travel for a few years. I extended my food knowledge in Vietnam, Cambodia and Spain, and there are no regrets!
Food tours have become a bit of an obsession. After a tapas tour in Barcelona I booked on food tours whenever I went away, wondering if there was anything similar in the UK.
One thing led to another and I worked for Scranchester food tours run by the awesome Rob Kelly, as a tour guide in Manchester. However, Chester is where I’m from and where I’ve come back to.
The Beginning
Chester has witnessed a real surge of independent global and local food & drink venues, and I was itching to give it a go. In September 2024, I launched Chester on a Plate Food Tours.
Chester holds a special place in my heart. It’s my hometown, and I’m deeply passionate about supporting the businesses that are helping it thrive and sharing a rejuvenated food scene with others.
I want to be part of Chester’s exciting food revival. Despite challenging times there are independent business owners in Chester who are making it work.
Visitors from all over the globe now know why Chester has been named the most beautiful city in the world (true fact!). Booking.com crowned Chester the most welcoming city in the UK.
For me, there’s no where like it. Chester is a blend of breathtaking culture and now boasts an evolving, mouth-watering culinary scene waiting to be explored.
The food in Chester is becoming a highlight for visitors. Award-winning eateries and locally-produced drinks make Chester the perfect destination for food lovers. I’d love to share it with you.
Steph x
Food as an inspiration.
One of the reasons I am attracted to working with food stems from my health issues over the years. Kidney failure when I was 19 meant that, in between kidney transplants, I spent 18 years on dialysis.
Believe me, the renal diet is boring and meals can be unbelievably bland. As for drink, you’re restricted to 500 mls a day.
My fourth kidney transplant has lasted for over 6 years now, and I’m more of an aspiring gastronome. Any opportunity to taste and sample different cuisines, I grab it.
People who book on food tours do it to discover delicious bites and unique beverages, plus have a good laugh! With us you’re exploring Chester which is a pure joy; food, drink and sightseeing – the perfect storm.
Food lovers, you will relish this very different day out. I hope to see you getting a Taste of Chester soon!
Things to do in Chester
⇒ What we offer on our day trips from Chester
Our half-day guided walking tour encompasses culture and sightseeing. However, you also experience an exclusive foodie adventure! There are so many things to do in Chester. Our Chester on a Plate food tours should be top of your list!
About Us
⇒ What we support
Independent food businesses – restaurants, bars. market stalls, bakehouses, hole in the wall venues. As long as the food is unique, created with passion and tastes delicious, that’s where we want to be!
Kidney Research Northwest – A charity dedicated to supporting the research needed to fight kidney disease.
Street Angels – An organisation working tirelessly to help the homeless
Culture
Chester is a culturally rich city full of life! In Grosvenor Park, we boast the finest example of Victorian parks in the UK. From here wander down to enjoy the Groves Promenade alongside the historical River Dee.
The museums, the Roman Amphitheatre, award winning markets, and regular festivals exist alongside each other adding to Chester’s vibrant culture.
History
Chester sits on top of a Roman fort founded in AD68. Our city was last to fall to William the Conqueror and took 5 months to surrender after King Charles’s army were beaten during the Civil War.
A beautiful mish mash of Roman and Medieval, Norman and Saxon, Victorian and Tudor architecture greets tourists as the walls wind around the ancient Cathedral, not to mention the oldest racecourse in the UK.
Food and Drink
Chester’s food and drink scene is exciting and diverse. Fantastic independents are introducing diverse food cultures and superb eateries to the city, as well as local delicacies and artisan produce.
Increasingly, fantastic bars and specialist shops are showcasing the best Chester-made alcohol. What a time to be alive! (if you’re into food and drink).
