New Pan-Asian Restaurant, Izakaya Lounge is officially opening in Chester this weekend

A new Pan-Asian restaurant is opening in central Chester this week offering a high-end dining experience exclusively to the city.

The first joint project of Pheby Food Concepts Group Ltd (PFC Group) and Erraji Hospitality Limited, Izakaya Lounge will offer a menu of authentic flavours from China, Japan, Thailand, Korea and beyond, designed to be eaten socially in small or sharing plates and accompanied by an extensive cocktail and drinks menu.

Creating more than 20 new jobs for the city, Izakaya Lounge on Pepper Street aims to bring a new dining concept to Chester from 25 June, based on bringing groups of friends and family together for live music, bottomless brunches, handcrafted cocktails and flavours of the East.

“For me Izakaya Lounge is a celebration of all that we’ve been missing since the Covid-19 pandemic began,” said joint owner Des Pheby of PFC Group.

“It’s about getting together with those you love and being treated to a dining experience bar none. An experience that momentarily transports you to distant lands and allows you to revel in life’s simple pleasures once more: great food and great company in a great atmosphere.”

Offering favourites such as dim sum, sushi and tempura, the restaurant is a joint venture with Riad Erraji of Erraji Hospitality Limited. Both partners hope this ‘Chester first’ will provide a luxury choice for customers attending popular city-centre events, such as the Chester Races, as well as those seeking a unique dining environment in the city.

“I believe our combined experience will make Izakaya Lounge and cocktail bar a real hit,” said Mr Erraji.

“Both hospitality groups have a proven track record of success opening dining establishments in Chester and I think bringing that experience together, and all that we’ve learnt post-Covid, will ensure Chester’s hottest new dining venue is on the menu for many years to come.”

One attraction for customers will be Izakaya Lounge’s bottomless brunches at the weekend, offering two hours of sharing platters and topped up alcoholic drinks.

“The bottomless brunch is a trend that has been around for a while,” said Mr Pheby. “But I think it will continue to be popular as customers look to enjoy a leisurely dining experience during their weekend off.

“I also believe Covid-19 has meant the hospitality sector will soon see a renaissance in bigger venues and booth seating, with customers booking for the evening and not moving from venue to venue. More social dining – perfect for Izakaya – where you book a table with friends and stay for a few hours, having a drink, a meal and then more drinks and live music. Japanese food fits really well with this social dining trend.”