The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen has opened The Gallery Bar and Restaurant, the latest development in the hotel’s evolution, and the result of a six-figure investment into its dining and hospitality spaces by owners David and Gillian Wood.
The new west-end venue brings together design, dining and art, with interiors that feature one of the world’s largest private collections of original work by John Byrne. These are displayed alongside pieces from a wider group of Scottish contemporary artists, positioning the restaurant as a destination that celebrates both local culture and kitchen craft.
Co-owner Graham Wood said, “The Gallery represents a old investment in Aberdeen’s dining scene and in our ongoing commitment to offering something truly original at The Chester Hotel. We’ve created a space that combines the drama of a modern art gallery with the warmth of great hospitality. The new menu brings together the very best of Scotland’s larder with influences from around the world, ensuring every visit offers something different to discover.”
The design incorporates a mix of curved banquettes, private booths and statement lighting, with a layout that suits both everyday dining and private events aimed at flexibility and guest experience, whether at the bar, in a private nook or within the main restaurant space.
The launch coincides with a new menu that blends locally sourced produce with international influences. Dishes range from Peterhead crab with chilli and lime and hand-dived Orkney scallops, to venison loin with seasonal vegetables and a shellfish-based lobster pasta. A trio of Tandoori-inspired mains and a Josper-grilled Chateaubriand feature among the centrepieces, while desserts include a Kirsch-soaked Black Forest sundae and tropical pavlova.
The Gallery Bar and Restaurant open to residents and non-residents.