Four years in the making: Andi Lowe-Smith and Ben Iles open Boheme in Chester

Andi Lowe-Smith and Ben Iles have opened Boheme in a Grade II listed building following an extensive and sympathetic refurbishment

The 100-cover art deco inspired restaurant takes its name from the word ‘bohemian’, which the owners say ‘reflects a philosophy of decadence and defiance, standing out in the face of modern convention’. The interior is influenced by that of Eltham Palace and has an open kitchen and wraparound Italian marble bar, walnut panelling, specialist handmade tiles, and a Moller chair.

It serves a cafe menu of breakfast and lunch dishes including eggs Benedict; waffles with pistachio, blood orange, mascarpone; duck liver parfait with toasted brioche, apple, sorrel, and duck fat granola; and a soup of the week alongside an a la carte menu as well as pastries and bread made on-site,

Dishes on the a la carte include starters of scallop with seaweed, lime fingers, roe, XO, and shiso; and salt baked celeriac rose and mains of shorthorn beef fillet, short rib, miso, roscoff, and black garlic; Cornish monkfish with yakatori mussels, chowder, cauliflower, and sea buckthorn; and Cotswold white chicken with asparagus, wild garlic, and maitake.

The cocktail list has creations that include a Marigold Caipirinha and a Wild Garlic Martini. 

Lowe-Smith and Iles are also behind the tequila brand Agave Thieves.

“We wanted to create a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming, where the art of dining is celebrated at any time of the day,” says chef-patron Lowe-Smith, who is joined in the kitchen by head chef Curtis Tonge.

“Boheme is our dream come to life, where every dish tells a story, and every visit creates a memory.”

“This has been four years of passion and dedication to our vision to create an independent and truly unique restaurant you’ll want to visit way beyond the first time.”