Alexander’s Live are to reopen their garden following years of dispute between Chester Cathedral and the Thompson Cox partnership. This led to the beer garden being split in two back in 2015, shortly after new owner Jamie Northrop assumed control of the business.
in 2018 Thompson Cox Partnership and Chester Cathedral announced a new working arrangement for both parties and it was hoped that Alexanders could resume full use of the green space, however due to legal red tape the space remained fenced off.
More recently Thompson Cox Partnership notified Northrop that the space could be re-instated in full as the Alexander’s beer garden, and food and drink sales could again be served on the space. Within days the fence was removed and the usual running of the space resumed for all to enjoy.
Jamie Northrop commented that ; “This means so much to us here at Alexander’s that we can continue to run the business in the way it was always intended and our customers can once again take full advantage of the space – just in time for the summer months! Although it was badly timed when I took over the running of the venue, I think it is best to look forward and thank both Thompson Cox Partnership and Chester Cathedral in resolving the issues, resulting in the space being reinstated as our beer garden and performance space. In celebration of this we have planned a Grand Re-opening on Saturday 10th August.”
The event is being dubbed ‘Alexander’s Grand Garden Bash’ and will feature live music from local favourites such as The Deportees, Tom Martin, Luke Gardner, Fern Mitchell, Nathan Davies, Kate McCullough, Tom Durkin and Ennio The Little Brother.
As well as appearances from Winsford’s Sam Lyon, Manchester’s Olly Flavell and Liverpool’s The Shipbuilders. Celebrations will close with an indoor after party headlined by Kidsmoke, with support from Meilir and Deh-Yey.
Northrop commented; “This is what it is all about for us. We host such a wide array of events spanning literally all genres and aim to offer the community a space to come and relax, and enjoy what means the most to them. This re-launch of the garden space needed to celebrate just that and we have such amazing talent here in the North West it was important from the off to keep it local.”
The free event will take place from midday on Saturday 10th August. There will be an outside bar with Alexander’s famous BBQ, wood fired pizzas on sale throughout the day and stalls featuring local independent businesses. The official opening will be hosted by none other than Chester’s very own Town Crier, again coupling this celebration of impressive local talent with Chester’s rich history and culture.
Alexander’s Live Garden Opening
12 Midday
Saturday 10th August
The Chester blog 