Sticky Walnut

Laura, our waitress, recommended Beetroot risotto, crispy ox tongue, fresh goats curd, red veined sorrel as a starter, and I knew I was in England. Where else would anyone dare to describe such a tasty dish in the most revolting way imaginable? But no Toad-​in-​a-​Hole for my main. Instead I chose Braised Rump of Lamb with, spring onion, hen-​of-​the-​woods mushrooms, and savoury (British spelling) granola-​black pudding. I knew what black pudding was since watching Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman, but insisted Laura tell me what EXACTLY it was. Too shy to explain herself (typical of many of the locals) she blushed and found a more experienced waitress who was totally comfortable letting me know, «IT IS PIG’s BLOOD. DISGUSTING, RIGHT!?» Great service!

FINALLY!!! I WENT TO STICKY! :)
This cosy neighbourhood bistro is situated in Hoole — a small village just outside Chester. It’s location, I find, is quaint and out of the way of the busy hustle and bustle of Chester but close enough that you can walk there from Chester train station in around 10 — 15 minutes.
There must be no more than 10 tables in the entire restaurant which I loved. We were looked after by their amazing staff from beginning to end.
The lunch menu is by far the best food I have eaten for the price we paid. The menu (see picture on this review) was seasonal and I could have eaten every single dish.
The leek and potato soup was devine and the venison ragu with tagliatelle was also outstanding. Faultless. Just faultless.

Intimate location, and they know their food. Had an excellent dinner here — booked ahead — staff was attentive and the food options made the decision hard. You won’t regret a dinner here! Little more expensive, but will worth the price.

Yes, I know, another 5 star review for Sticky Walnut! Totally deserved though, every mouthful of every course was simply delicious…
Three of us travelled from Manchester on a Saturday lunchtime, and greedily ate our way through some delicious focaccia while we waited for our fourth joining us from Bolton. We sipped complimentary fizz, and despite being 20 mins early we were made very welcome by the staff.
I started with beef tartare, beautifully flavoured and served with crispy, rich polenta chips and balancing pickled cucumber. An excellent start!
For main I had plaice, served with oxtail, braised cabbage and pearl barley. Light, tasty and delicious, and accompanied by a buttery mix of asparagus, peas and radishes. We’d also ordered multiple portions of the truffle and Parmesan chips, which were huge — much more like wedges than chips — and beautifully cooked, although I couldn’t really taste any truffle flavour.
On to dessert, rhubarb trifle for me, served with an almond crumble. A dainty portion served in a small glass, and another delicious course. We had a coffee afterwards in the hope of staying awake on the journey home, it was served with some lovely dark, rich amaretto truffles.
A lovely atmosphere, pleasant staff, and despite having a glass of wine with main and a Pedro Ximinez sherry with coffee, the bill was a mere £40 a head — including tip! An absolute bargain, and well worth the journey. Can’t wait for Burnt Truffle to open, rumours are that it’ll be closer to Manchester…

I went to Sticky Walnut for dinner last night and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience as a whole. The waiting staff were all polite, friendly and eager to please, without hovering over us all night. The ambiance was warm and relaxed, yet classy. The wine list was extensive, with good quality options for all budget sizes. Finally, the food was just perfect. I had the winter paella and my partner had the belly pork. Both were exquisite. I could easily have had seconds (or even thirds) of the heavenly chocolate pudding!
We will definitely be going there again.