Amongst our new store in Chester lies our beautiful Oak Room, which holds a wealth of historical significance. Situated above the main store, this room has been launched in partnership with Fitzdares, in order to create a relaxing space for its club members. In the comfort of this room, members can enjoy a complimentary negroni bar. However, it will also have a variety of other uses, from private dinner parties to client meetings.
The Oak Room is rich in character, but the standout feature is the fireplace, which holds the distinction of being the second oldest in Chester - surpassed only by one in The Brewery Tap. Its intricate chimney breast is believed to have been hand-carved by the building’s earliest known occupants, the Robinson family, in the 17th century. Bootmakers and cobblers by trade, were talented craftsmen whose original tools can still be found on the highest floor of the building.
The chimney breast features carvings that capture glimpses into Chester’s history. You can see a ship travelling up the Dee River, a nod to Chester’s historical Free Trade agreement with Liverpool, a moment symbolic of the city’s economic growth. Carved next to the ship is The Kaleyard Gate, otherwise known as the ‘shot tower’, which was built to employ a revolutionary method of manufacturing musket balls for use in the Napeolonic wars. Below, a musketeer is seen firing his musket. On the opposite side stands St. Mary’s Church, while in the foreground, a mound represents the shrine to the Roman Goddess Minerva which dates back to the second century. All of these historic structures can still be viewed in Chester today.
Adding to the room’s charm are the stained glass windows, which showcase the initials and years of each occupier of the building throughout its history. From the Robinson and Richards family, who occupied the space from 1696 to 1729, to Button & Co., these windows provide a fascinating timeline of the building’s diverse heritage.
With its rich history and craftsmanship, the Oak Room stands not only a treasured part of our space, but also a living tribute to Chester's storied past. It’s a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who worked and lived here, who have each shaped the character of this remarkable city.