The Oakfield at Chester Zoo voted one of the best restaurants in the world

The pub located at the heart of Chester Zoo has picked up an award from Tripadvisor, which puts them in the top 10% restaurants in the world. 

Customer feedback given through the world’s largest travel website, Tripadvisor, means the pub has been awarded a 2020 Travellers’ Choice Award. 

This is amazing news for The Oakfield, which was once home to Chester Zoo’s founder, George Mottershead, and opened as a pub only two years ago. 

The Grade-II listed building has been a home, tea room, aquarium and is now the contemporary – and award winning – pub. 

Simon Lockhart, Chester Zoo’s food and beverage general manager, said: “The Oakfield has only been open for two years, so to gain such a major accolade in this short space of time is a brilliant achievement.

“And what makes this award all the more special to us is that it’s based entirely on real opinions and genuine, honest feedback from our guests.

“The Tripadvisor team analyses thousands of reviews and ratings from travellers everywhere before handing out this honour – that’s why it means such an awful lot.

“I’m so proud of the team’s hard work and dedication to make our pub such an exceptional place for our guests. The Oakfield has retained the original details of the house to give it a real ‘home from home’ feeling, with precious family photos showing what the zoo was like at the very beginning.

“Rooted in history, it’s the real centrepiece of the zoo, where guests relax outside on the terrace and admire the beautiful grounds, or cosy up in front of the fire and enjoy the best freshly-prepared, locally-sourced food.”

He added: “The award has really given us a boost during what is a really challenging time for the zoo.

“The pandemic, and our long period of closure, has pushed our wonderful charity to the brink, but we’re so glad to have again been able to open our doors and continue to provide our guests with a fantastic dining experience with a difference.”

The Oakland supports the zoo’s crucial conservation work in protecting endangered species. Through its revenue, it is a vital source of income for the charity zoo.

This is great news for Chester Zoo, which has reported a huge £5m gap in finances during the closure in lockdown.