About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about The Oakfield – it's this gem tucked away in Chester Zoo, serving up contemporary British fare that's fresh, ethical, and full of flavour. I love how they've got menus that evolve with the seasons, offering great value on things like roasts and afternoon teas, all prepared with real passion by their executive chef. The team there are an absolute delight; they're so attentive and make you feel right at home, whether it's helping with dietary needs or adding a special surprise for celebrations. Plus, the setting is just beautiful, with a restored building and garden views that make it feel like a proper escape. On the downside, it's not the easiest for a spontaneous visit since you have to factor in zoo entry fees, and it does get bustling at times, which might mean a wait for a table. All in all, if you're heading to the zoo, it's well worth popping in for a meal – it's one of those places that leaves you with a smile, balancing top-notch food with that welcoming pub vibe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely delicious and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients – it's like getting a proper British meal with a twist that keeps things exciting.
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The staff are incredibly friendly and go the extra mile, making special occasions feel even more memorable, like with complimentary drinks and thoughtful touches.
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The atmosphere is just lovely, with a stunning building and incredible views of the zoo gardens, perfect for a relaxing break.
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Service is quick and efficient, even when it's busy, so you won't be left waiting around for your meal.
Cons
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You'll need to pay for zoo admission to get there, which can add a bit to the overall cost and might not suit if you're just after a quick drink.
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It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends or during peak zoo times, making it a tad tricky to find a seat.
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Opening hours are tied to the zoo, so it's not ideal for a late-night outing if you're hoping for something more flexible.
Contact Information
Caughall Rd, Upton, Chester CH2 1LH
+441244389710
Pub
Opens at 10:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday (Today) | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
Recent Reviews
Mine and my wife's 1st year wedding anniversary today 25-04-25, when I booked the table I told them we got married here a year ago, when we arrived we got a complimentary glass of champagne each and a lovely card. We also got a lovely plate of the team congratulating us.
Wonderful team, definitely making this a yearly anniversary for us. Thank you.
Also food was amazing, cooked to perfection and hostess was fantastic and everyone made us feel 🤗 very welcome
Visited near Christmas in an afternoon for lunch.
The food was really nice - and a little bit more unusual for what you'd normally expect from a 'tourist attraction' type place! The staff were friendly and helpful with assisting with a gluten intolerance that one of our party has.
Would definitely recommend for if you are visiting Chester Zoo!
We were here for my wife's birthday, as she loves the zoo and so decided to book into the oakfield for an early dinner.
It has a lovely atmosphere and the staff were very friendly.
The food and drinks all arrived very promptly and the food was very well presented.
It was a great afternoon break before continuing around the zoo.
We will definitely book to go again. Thanks to the staff.
The food you can pick up anywhere at Chester Zoo is usually pretty good. However, the food at the Oakfield is excellent.
It's probably best described as "pub food", but taken to another level. Really tasty, well presented and served quickly too. Even at peak times, the food seemed to come out fast, which is an added benefit if you're trying to see the whole zoo and don't want to 'waste time' in a restaurant.
There was a range of options available, from a burger, fish and chips, to slightly more exotic tacos and similar dishes.
Coupled with a wide range of drinks, you could spend some time in here and completely forget that you were in a major tourist attraction at the same time.
You do need a zoo ticket to visit, so even if you book a table, you'll need to either be a zoo member, or already have a ticket for the day. There's no way around this.
One slight downside was, when asked how a particular dish would be made gluten free, as per the menu options, our server replied "don't know" and made no offer to go find out. Didn't fill me with confidence, so I'm opted for something safer.
All that said - well worth a visit.
Located in the centre of the Zoo, what a stunning building, full of character and location beautiful. Wonderful atmosphere and staff were lovely. Price moderate and food looked and smelt amazing, had already eaten but next time will definitely try. Separate area for drinking vs eating in, can sit outside too. Lots of wonderful photos on the walls.
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