The Chester Hotel reveals new look for extended bar

A CGI of the new Chester Bar
A CGI of the new Chester Bar

Four silver star Aberdeen venue The Chester Hotel has revealed how its refurbished and extended new bar will look with the release of a series of computer-generated images.

The bar – which will more than double in size – has a sleek, contemporary theme which mirrors the overall style of the luxury hotel.

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The new bar is part of the redevelopment of The Chester Hotel, which is being extended into the neighbouring property at 55-57 Queen’s Road. The work – part of a seven-figure investment– is due to be completed in the autumn. It will also create 21 additional bedrooms, bringing the overall number of rooms and suites to 71.

Secluded booths, comfortable armchairs and lounge areas for groups of guests will be key features of the bar, which will be finished in high-quality soft furnishings. Low lighting and dark colours in one section aim to convey the decadence of a traditional cocktail bar, while a glassed sun terrace has a modern-day palm court feel.

The bar will also include several original paintings by Scottish artist John Byrne – representing one of the country’s largest private collections – with the colour palette inspired by his work.

The IX Bar is continuing to operate as normal during the renovations, with a new outdoor seating area at the front of the property proving to be a huge draw to customers out to make the most of the summer weather.

The Chester Hotel general manager Stephen Gow said it was pleasing to see the bar redevelopment reach another step closer to fruition. He added: “The IX Bar has become one of the most popular venues in the city, and the new, extended floor space will allow us to welcome even more customers.

“Work on the hotel refurbishment is continuing at pace, with the extension to our ballroom – now one of the biggest hotel event spaces in the city – already completed. We’re delighted to be able to share these images of our new look, which takes the existing elegant style of the hotel and raises the bar even further.

“We’ve earned a reputation as one of the top cocktail venues in Aberdeen and as part of our new look, we’ll also be relaunching our drinks and cocktail menu. Our bar staff are already hard at work developing new ideas and combinations, but we’ll still be holding onto many of the cocktails which have become a firm favourite with customers over the years.”

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