Transparent Igloo and A Marquee With A View - Our Outdoor Reopening Plans

A 20-metre open-sided marquee and transparent igloos form part of our plan for the reopening of the outdoor areas of the hotel which we are unveiling today [Wednesday 10 June]. It’s important to note that we’re not open yet – and we’ll only do so when we’re permitted to open by the Scottish Government. We’ll be posting on social media to let you know when that will be.

A 20 metre open-sided marquee with a transparent roof will be erected over the car park area in front of 55 – 57 Queen’s Road, subject to planning permission, to complement our existing covered outdoor seating area. This marquee space, along with the canopied patio, will give, with appropriate social distancing, space for around 100 guests.

In addition, we have six ‘Eden Project style’ transparent domes. These vented ‘igloos’ which give a 360 degree view, will be constructed at the front of the hotel.  Customers will be able to pre book these conservatory-style structures for small family groups of up to four to meet and dine in.

Owner Graham Wood says, “It’s important for us that, as well as keeping our staff and customers safe, we provide everyone with The Chester experience. After such a long period of lockdown, where treats, and socialising have been in short supply, we think people will want to feel a little normality and have the choice to go somewhere of their choice. Our team which has been working throughout the lockdown to protect and deep clean the hotel has also augmented the planting at the front of the hotel and we have hurricane lamps and open fire effect patio heaters.

“Although we have a large area of our outdoor seating area already under canopies, the addition of this 20 metre marquee will give us one of Aberdeen city’s largest outdoor spaces. We’ll be serving a comprehensive selection from our full bar food menu and everything from our drinks’ menu. If we’re going to do something at The Chester we always do it properly and in style.”

We have also put in place comprehensive measures to ensure staff and guest safety with the purchase of an electrostatic fogging machine to sanitise all areas and free standing, automatic hand sanitising units. There will be one-way systems in the outside areas for guests and staff, and also behind the scenes for all waiting and kitchen staff.

All tables will have to be pre-booked online and customers can only be admitted if they have a reservation. The reservations will be in two-hour blocks. Guests will be able to download the menu to their own device and to order directly from the menu. Guests will also be able to pay through the app giving a contactless experience. The hotel will no longer accept cash payments, with all payment to be by card.

Stephen Gow, general manager says, “A high degree of customer service has always been important to The Chester Hotel and we’re having to look at how we serve food and drinks which keeps everyone involved safe, but which doesn’t depersonalise the interaction to the point where it’s uncomfortable.

“The team is keen to get back to doing what we all love to do, which is providing award winning standards of service to our customers in stylish surroundings.”