I've been to multiple branches of The Botanist throughout my travels and sadly this branch is probably the worst I've been too, it's located in a good location close to Chester Cathedral in the city centre.
The location is fairly small, it sadly doesn't have a lift meaning if you can't handle stairs there is only one low table on the ground floor, as most of it is high bar-style seating, to make matters worse this table is more like an outdoor bench as the bench-style backless seating can't be moved, which would make it hard if someone requires back-support or perhaps is a wheelchair user meaning it makes it hard to get to the table.
I sat downstairs, they had no problem reserving the table for me which was reserved well in advance to make sure I got a table with a large stand on the table however it was really unpleasant being on the lower floor, I felt forgotten about and while the staff were friendly, it was frustrating having to feel like I had to go to the main bar to order and then to pay, to make matters worse I wasn't given a final bill which meant I was originally overcharged when trying to pay at the bar, luckily I'd noticed the price seemed a little high as they didn't knock my 40% off, despite it is an ongoing promotion at all Botanist locations (I've never had this problem before), if you prebook - now I know mistakes can happen but the fact I wasn't given my final bill/receipt makes me wonder if I was overcharged for anything else.
I ordered my regular Botanist order, the Chicken and Chorizo kebab, again unlike every other location the staff didn't offer to pour the garlic butter on for me, now I have no problem doing it myself but I'm confused why the staff didn't offer when they offer at every other location.
The chorizo I found to be chewy and virtually inedible, the onions were also bland and tasted raw, while I would have also liked a little bit more chicken.
Not including the discount, I certainly don't think the service in general or the food quality warranted anywhere near the price and I was only happy to pay it due to the discount (after it was applied of course), while the decor is okay it also isn't unique and innovative if you'd have told me this wasn't a Botanist restauraunt even though it had multiple signs and the same menu, I probably would have believed you.
2* - A slightly generous rating given the circumstances but as the chicken was good quality and it is a nice place for drinks, while it certainly isn't for food in general. read more