Wednesday 4th June

Your quiz was cancelled due to low ticket sales, you’ve been ill in bed for 3 days and your best friend won’t talk to you anymore. Happy days. A visit to Baked at 28 is the temporary cure, the new venue from the team behind the Chef’s Table on Pepper street. A cappuccino and pain choc served with a smile in the smartly decorated cafe, fresh sweet peas in vases adorning every table. “It’s not aesthetic but its interesting” says the other customer to the staff member, referring to the brick dominated view out of the window at the Tesco Express.

A scroll through the now mainly moribund twitter – an information request (when is the Grosvenor Park miniature railway opening?) a fun picture of a creepy doll on a canal boat, and one information sharing post- a Pathe news reel of a large family in Chester from 1961. The rest of twitter is filled with eye bleeding AI ads for car boots and community events. Most places now offering incredible vibes and the chance to make incredible lasting memories.

Later on however, there is some debate when I ask why some events in Chester are scarcely promoted or not even promoted at all- where’s this unified Chester events list that people have been asking about for years? Meanwhile its the season of demolition with the original Women and Children’s building at the hospital turning to rubble , and the brick monolith Mecca Bingo making way for a hotel. The Mecca attracts the usual tired tropes in the comments, we don’t need a hotel etc, all as dull and lifeless as an out of date tin of food at the back of the cupboard. You should have bought it if you wanted it turned into a community centre.

Leaving the cafe, I stand on the corner of the row watching the Town |Crier, back for his summer season. Busker Ed Alleyne Johnson vacates the pitch for the return of the local icon. Present today are international visitors from Australia, Holland Germany, the USA and Canada

Next up I visit the new cafe upstairs in Montezuma’s Chocolates– previously Arthouse cafe, and before that, years and years ago it was Bookland. The upstairs was the music department I remember. The chocolate from here is nice, but I wasn’t impressed by the fudge. The cafe is brightly decorated, light and airy but I can’t get the wi-fi to work. A tea costs just 2.5 along with an unreal minted choc chip cookie. The lamp shades are Lego minifigure head shaped and a mirrored box gives the impression of a hanging garden seat. There’s even less footfall here than the previous venue , with this part of the row largely residential or offices- no doubt affected by the uncertainty of the possible hotel construction which at one point closed the Row for months. I sit for a while, imaging being under siege from a plague of zombies, or hiding from a social media row. Then I imagine a film set during the siege of Chester, then I imagine “Shitchester the musical” something I would write if I had any musical talent or attention span. Is the hotel at the Cross happening or not ? The scaffold was taken down a few Christmases ago and we have heard nothing since, apart from the signage on the accompanying restaurant unit being updated to say its opening 2026. Another example of information lost in the ether. Dysfunctional beautiful city.

Leaving the cafe, I note the soon to open Rudy’s Pizza, the soon to open Blue Smoke, and the new signage on the Rainbow Tea Rooms. “You see all those shops on the upper levels like balconies as well. “ says a senior citizen tourist. Another group of old timers turn to look at the quiet commotion of the chanting Roman kids.

Walking to the rear entrance of Eastgate Square, a light rain falls as I pass my unknowable Instagram crush.

Sunday 7th June

With a clear day in the diary and having never been before, I decide to visit Chester Comic Con at the Racecourse. The event is a fun diversion, well attended by young people and families and a budget alternative to the star studded and mega expensive events in Liverpool and Manchester. The guest line up includes 2 members of wartime sitcom Allo Allo- a series which concluded nearly 35 years ago- I know previous events have attracted Doctor Who’s and Red dwarf actors, Colonel Gruber and Helga, as iconic as they are won’t have had much appeal to younger fans. There isn’t that much to do except admire the fantastic costumes- including a brilliant He- Man and Skeletor (screen accurate even though the film only came out 2 days ago). A car from the Bill, possibly driven by Twitter follower PC Tony Stamp is a display highlight. Would have liked to have had a Dalek on patrol to take it up to the next level, but can’t really knock the event given how much fun people are obviously having.

Wednesday 10 June

Crossed the border to Theatre Clwyd to see Tip Top Production’s version of The Full Monty. I have been attending Tip Top shows since 2013, the first was Bouncers , which was on the night of the infamous Mike Jones twitter row. When Chester was struggling before all the big developments they were rolling out one high end “amateur” production after another. I miss their Christmas shows now that the Forum studio theatre sits condemned. The show is brilliant and I am very impressed with the refurbished venue having not visited since pre Covid times. Most of our row is empty so we move a few seats to the left. A couple that turn up at the interval chastise us for sitting in their seats.

Saturday 13 June

Walking up Northgate street , a group of maybe already drunk racegoers approach Marmalade looking for a breakfast spot. “Its the smallest gaff in Chester” one of them says. In Town Hall square I sit listening to a wholesome busker on a piano. A young woman passing by joins in with him singing. My mind goes backwards at memories of the square : sitting on one of the benches with a new hamster cage purchased from a pet shop on Watergate street, Steve Coogan on the Town Hall steps, the old McDonalds ( a loss for the upstairs view and always more civilised than the big one. Once the Christians set up, promising hellfire or eternal life via loudspeaker it is time to leave.

First stop of the day is the Camera Obscura at Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower on the walls. The tower itself was built in the 1200s and the camera was fitted to the top in 1840. The tower is open today thanks to the volunteers from Heritage Chester who have been working hard getting spaces like this (also the Shot Tower) open to the public. In the camera chamber an image of the surroundings is projected onto the central table- this must have blown the Victorian’s minds all those years ago.

Next up a fantastic Minstrel’s Court event at St John’s Church- high praise for The Time Bandits who perform a mix of retro hits including one that you can just picture Henry VIII dancing with Anne Boleyn to ( or any of the other 5. ) Another song is about naval hero Admiral Benbow, as well as folk song The Miller of the Dee – I used that one in the music round for last years heritage quiz and nobody knew it.

“I look through my window at a world filled with strangers” goes another lyric. Thumbs up to this talented group, maybe we can get them for the next quiz ? The Time Bandits

That evening is the charity opening night for Rudy’s Pizza- with all profits being donated to SHARE. On my way I stop at the Cross to watch a break-dancer spinning around on his hands and head. Some race goers push past me as the crowd builds up. I don’t mind the races and I know a lot of Chester people hate them, It feels like a carnival atmosphere in the city, people in the main, having fun and letting their hair down- in this mad world who can blame them ? The comments are always the same, looking down on people because their suits aren’t expensive enough, residents apparent fear of entering their own city etc etc. I don’t go the races but Chester is big enough for us to share on 15 days a year. Either that or go back to locking the gates and keeping people out. I was once even cancelled by a friend for disagreeing with her anti races stance.

Anyway the service in Rudy’s is warm and friendly, and the window seat is going to be a nice people watching spot. Was hoping for a meet and greet with Adam Dandy but he’s not present.

Sunday 14 June

Cinema trip to my favourite place Picturehouse for a second viewing of Master’s of The Universe- this time bringing along a couple of 1980s action figures for some content creation. “You’re a very strange man” says a friend.

Monday 15th June

A miserable trip to the Square Bottle on Foregate street for breakfast. The manager scowls at me when I ask for the mug required to self serve my drink. Because the mug doesn’t arrive until after the food, a massive queue forms for the machines, with some customers filling up twice a go. The queue doesn’t go town until I’ve finished eating and I consider returning the mug for a refund. Usually if I get bad service in a venue I don’t comment but in this case I’ll make an exception after being made to feel invisible by the staff member. Shame because I had a good birthday breakfast in here a few months ago. Gary Eats would have done a bad review here.

Sun 21 June#

A packed Sunday starting off with coffee at the Crowne Plaza, one of my favourite hiding spots. The lobby has a horse’s head sculpture built to commemorate when the hotel was opened by celebrity horse Red Rum. A search through the archives for this event is ongoing at time of writing. The bar has a view of the Welsh hills and even has a rooftop terrace with views of the Market Car Park. Leaving I wonder what the architects have in mind to separate the hotel from the area that is set to be demolished. These back streets are rarely visited, with the underpass at the hotel’s entrance resembling a set from Blake’s Seven- surreal to think what the original planners had in mind with the original development. Hopefully soon the whole area will have a massive injection of new life and residents.

Rufus Court are celebrating their 35th anniversary with the Solstice Festival. Founded by Rod Cox and his business partner Pauline Thompson in the 90s, for a long time Rufus Court served as HQ for me thanks to my friend owning a business on the site. Before the world got too big , in the early years I made a lot of good friends here amongst the traders. After getting a couple of drinks from Alexanders , we sit in the courtyard for a while enjoying a ukulele band from Northwich.

“This is such a cute place to live” says someone as line up forms for another epic Midsummer watch parade. Something that should definitely be included in the Chester tourism adverts, if there were any. “There goes Mother Teresa again” says another voice- referring to the St Werburgh puppet. It’s all over too quick as the colourful characters parade through the streets- the rows seemingly designed for events like this.

After finding my friends, separated by the crowds we visit the new Blue Smoke. We discuss the level of honesty amongst food bloggers and influencers and the difference between honesty and content. Two people pointed out to me recently that I was a “public figure” and that I had to be very careful and diplomatic about what I post. When no one knows who you are its easier to get into rows , but these days everything has to be considered responsibly. Thus tales about who was abusive and threatening towards me ( and others) will forever be unknown.

Tues 23rd June

The bus to work passes the soon to be gone Mecca Bingo site. “What are they building there? ”

“Its a hotel, that’s what its gonna be ”

“Oh just what we need then!! “ (Note: we probably do need more hotels now The Grosvenor is closing)

Wed 24 June

Another cinema trip to see the Welsh language Effi o Blaenau. The film leaves me shattered by the end as I stagger back out into the daylight, with the anguished main character sinking deeper and deeper into darkness. There is an optimistic resolution but the powerful film has done the damage to me. Interested that there is no Welsh translation of “fucking idiot”. Highly recommended.

Sunday 28th June

On the way to the Handbridge festival, a photo of a blow up doll in the bin in front of the Clock provides a late career highlight. Handbridge have gone for one of those AI posters showing plastic people and no real locations – but the event itself is packed out , with an opening speech by MP Brandreth who reflects on England’s win against Panama. The dance show by House of Dance in the petrol station forecourt is epic. There is also a packed out street food festival featuring local traders in Grosvenor Park. It was only a few years ago that people used to say there was nothing to do in Chester.

Wed 1st July

Meeting with the Lord Mayor Margaret Parker in the parlour at the Town Hall. See Lord Mayor Margaret Parker interviewed – The Chester blog Post interview we discuss early plans for the next charity quiz. Sometime in the Autumn I say. “Are Sunday nights alright for you? You don’t go dancing on a Sunday night? Or Bingo?” No says Margaret. Later on at the Cross, it is 11.58 and Ed Alleyne Johnson once again makes way for the Town Crier.

Sunday 5 July

David Baddiel is back in Chester for the Festival of Ideas at the Town Hall. Having met him last year when he debuted his musical at Storyhouse I looked forward to the event. Sadly Stagecoach are unable to maintain an hourly bus service, or update customers when they are cancelling services and I miss it. 3 people at the event tell me that he mentions me fondly over the row over his Lego minifigure’s likeness.

Fri 10th July

An Instagram account offering a paid experience asks me to repost their story on my story to promote their offering. After attempting this, and as I’ve found in the past , the only option on my android phone is to share a story as a direct message. I reply to the account , which patronises me with a lengthy step by step guide to what I’m doing wrong. No you can’t I have already tried, I want to reply. The next morning I try again and find that the account has blocked me. I know I have been a hot head in the past and blocked a fair few (I went to a wedding once and found I’d blocked the groom’s son for example) but this leaves a strange imprint. I share things all the time for people when they ask so I’m left feeling jaded by the entitlement . Obviously I am expected to have no emotion or ego about anything ( The Ivy snub for example). You are expected to be a blank space, maybe I am one now. So when someone steals your content, doesn’t credit you for something or expects you to create content for you, you must just smile.

Later on I am sent a screenshot of someone shoehorning some criticism of me into a post about the latest phone/vape shop opening. “Will Shitchester sulk because they don’t get invited to the opening like they did with The Ivy?” I will attend shop openings if there is a ribbon cutting, preferably involving a dignitary or celebrity.

Thursday 9 July

A happy ending of sorts as the cone returns to the statue’s head- the first time since 2017. A Chester icon has risen again and one that was so inspirational in those earlier years , memories rush through my mind , friends and ex friends and social media rows and everything else all merged into one perfect mind cocktail. Better times are on the way.