The Groves Riverside
Updated riverside inn with pub grub, beach huts, and a fire pit on a heated terrace. Dog-friendly with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, relaxed atmosphere
The Groves Riverside
Best Time
Less crowded, relaxed atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Updated riverside inn with pub grub, beach huts, and a fire pit on a heated terrace. Dog-friendly with stunning views.
"Great location, stunning view, and the cod & chips batter is one of the best we've had!"
🎯 Order at the Bar
QR codes are available for drinks, but food orders are typically placed at the bar. Expect queues during peak times.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
This spot welcomes your furry friends, making it a great choice for dog owners.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Terrace Dining
Heated Terrace
Enjoy pub classics with a view! Beach huts and a fire pit add to the charm.
Classic Cod & Chips
Pub Grub Menu
Praised for its exceptional batter, this is a must-try for fish and chip aficionados.
Floating Beer Garden
Riverfront
Fantastic views while enjoying a meal or drinks. Can get lively on nice days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Riverside Vibe
Room Amenities & Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Order at the Bar
QR codes are available for drinks, but food orders are typically placed at the bar. Expect queues during peak times.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
This spot welcomes your furry friends, making it a great choice for dog owners.
🚶 Walk to Chester Center
Conveniently located for exploring Chester city center, saving on parking fees.
🚿 Spacious Showers
Rooms feature good water pressure and large, comfortable shower enclosures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Order at the Bar
QR codes are available for drinks, but food orders are typically placed at the bar. Expect queues during peak times.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
This spot welcomes your furry friends, making it a great choice for dog owners.
🚶 Walk to Chester Center
Conveniently located for exploring Chester city center, saving on parking fees.
🚿 Spacious Showers
Rooms feature good water pressure and large, comfortable shower enclosures.
📱 Consider a QR Code
Suggestion to add outdoor QR codes for food ordering to reduce bar queues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Groves Riverside is praised for its stunning riverside location and charming outdoor spaces like the heated terrace and floating beer garden. Guests often highlight the delicious cod and chips and friendly service, making it a popular local spot. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in service, small portion sizes for the price, and a need for improved cleanliness in surrounding areas.
"My husband and I had a lovely dinner here.
Great service by Sally friendly, welcoming and efficient. We also had drinks bought to the table by other members of staff who were really nice.
We both had cod & chips the batter is one of the best we've had. Apple crumble with ice cream & custard for desert. Yummy.
Great location stunning view."
Vicky Dyer
"Place makes you welcome, dog friendly and it's busy on the Sunday! Very big garden with QR code for drinks and food you have to order by the bar, very recommend to pop in. One this I will change, add qr code outside soe people can order food aswell, queue will be smaller by the bar"
Konrad Latek
"Service was slack at best. Room were adequate. Cleanliness of views to river were terrible. Garbage around rivers edge around hotel .. terrible. Should be cleaned up. Meals were not great. Small portions for a large price. Breakfast service.. terrible. Had to send waffles back as I couldn’t cut them with my knife. Short staffed. My recommendation would be a 3/5 stars. I would not return. The potential is there to be a great place but the hotel owners need to invest in this property with good staff and cleanliness of surroundings"
Gwen Murray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Groves Riverside is a short walk from Chester city center, making it an easy stroll and a great alternative to expensive city parking.
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, the proximity to Chester center suggests public transport or walking might be preferred. Parking availability can be limited during busy periods.
Given its location near Chester city center, it's likely accessible via local bus routes. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The riverside location and outdoor seating areas may present some accessibility challenges. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific information regarding ramps or accessible seating.
If arriving by train, Chester station is a central hub. From there, you can either walk or take a local taxi/bus to reach The Groves Riverside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, booking a table is recommended, especially for dinner or during peak times, to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary, particularly for the pub and accommodation. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current times.
Typically, there is no entry fee for the outdoor areas, but consumption of food and drinks is expected.
Yes, The Groves Riverside is dog-friendly, making it a great spot to visit with your pet.
Keep an eye on their social media channels for announcements about live music, themed nights, or seasonal promotions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They serve classic pub grub, with highlights including their highly-rated cod and chips. The menu features a range of familiar favorites.
Some reviews suggest portion sizes can be small for the price, while others enjoyed their meals. It might be best to manage expectations.
They offer a selection of drinks, and QR codes are available for ordering at the terrace, making it convenient to get your beverages.
Breakfast service has been noted as potentially challenging, with one guest having to send back waffles. Staffing levels might impact service.
While specific options aren't detailed, most pubs offer a selection of vegetarian dishes. It's recommended to check the menu on arrival or contact them directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside terrace and the floating beer garden offer stunning views, especially during sunset. The beach huts also make for charming photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The direct river frontage provides excellent vantage points for capturing the water and surrounding scenery.
Yes, the pub grub is often presented appealingly, and many visitors enjoy sharing photos of their meals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for the river views. Daytime provides clear visibility of the outdoor spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful that it can get very busy, particularly on weekends and sunny days, which might make it challenging with very young children. While the rooms are clean, the lack of in-room WiFi could be a factor for families looking to entertain kids during downtime. It's a good spot for a casual meal, but perhaps not for a prolonged stay if constant connectivity is a priority.
🐶 Dog Owners
Take advantage of the outdoor seating areas, including the terrace and beer garden, where dogs are likely most comfortable. It’s a great way to extend your adventures and ensure your pet is included in your day out. Just remember to keep them on a lead and be considerate of other patrons.
🚶 Budget-Conscious Travelers
While some reviews mention small portions for the price, the overall pub grub experience can be more affordable than fine dining. Opting for lunch or visiting during off-peak hours might offer better value. The dog-friendly nature also means you can bring your pet along without extra charges.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Riverside Experience
However, this popularity means it can get quite busy, particularly on sunny days and weekends. While the QR code system for drinks is convenient, food orders are typically placed at the bar, which can lead to queues. Some guests have noted that the immediate surroundings by the river's edge could benefit from more frequent cleaning, but the overall ambiance of dining by the water is a significant draw.
Despite potential crowds and minor upkeep concerns, the riverside dining is the main attraction. It's a place where you can enjoy classic pub fare while soaking in the picturesque scenery, making it a memorable stop for many.
Dining Delights and Service
Service quality can be variable. While some guests experienced exemplary service with friendly and efficient staff who made them feel very welcome, others reported slack service and short staffing. The young staff members, in particular, have been praised for their friendliness and engagement.
Be aware that portion sizes and value for money have been points of contention for some visitors, with mentions of small portions for a higher price. Breakfast service has also been noted as needing improvement. Despite these inconsistencies, the quality of the food, especially the signature dishes, and the welcoming nature of many staff members contribute to a generally satisfying dining experience.
Accommodation Insights
However, there are a couple of notable drawbacks for those considering a stay. Firstly, there is no WiFi available in the rooms, which can be an inconvenience for travelers needing to stay connected. Secondly, the absence of a room safe means guests need to be mindful of their valuables.
While the rooms provide a comfortable base, the lack of modern amenities like in-room WiFi and safes might deter some guests. The cleanliness of the immediate surroundings, particularly around the river's edge, has also been a point of criticism, suggesting that the hotel owners could invest more in property upkeep.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit