POPULAR CHESTER BAR CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL LEGO MODEL

One of Chester's most popular bars has been immortalised in Lego as part of celebrations to mark its 25th anniversary.

BarLounge based on Watergate St in the city centre commissioned local Lego builder and blogger Richard Trotter to build the model. Created using over 800 bricks, the model was presented to the bar recently before becoming part of the iconic Chester in Lego display in Chester Market.

Opened by Neil McDonnell in March 2000 with Jason Bligh later joining as a Partner in the business, BarLounge was one of the first cocktail bars in Chester and soon established itself as one of Chester's most popular venues. Formerly The Axe Tavern, the Grade II listed building was chosen as the location for BarLounge due to its close proximity to Chester Racecourse and the growing community of independent businesses on Watergate Street. BarLounge's sister venue Upstairs at The Grill opened in 2002 followed by Hickory's in 2010. Over the last 25 years, BarLounge has built up an enviable reputation for offering guests an experience that exceeds expectations thanks to their skilled front of house team and team of talented chefs.

Originally based in the former Chester Market from 2014 - 2022, before moving to the new Market in 2023, Chester in Lego has become a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Created by Lego enthusiast and renowned Chester blogger Richard Trotter, the ever changing and growing displays feature members of the local community, topical local events, landmarks including the famous Roman walls, the Eastgate Clock, Storyhouse, Chester Racecourse, local businesses and several historical scenes including the Roman Ampitheatre, Roman Baths and the Siege of Chester during the Civil War. Since 2014, the attraction has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities via donations from visitors to the Market. Throughout 2025, donations are being split between three local homeless charities in the city, Soul Kitchen, SHARE and Chester Aid to the Homeless.

Speaking about making the Lego model of BarLounge as part of its 25^th Anniversary celebrations, Richard Trotter said:

"I really enjoyed making the model, it's overdue given BarLounge's legacy in hospitality in Chester, and their important role in Chester's modern history."

Speaking about BarLounge's special place in Chester's hospitality scene, Tori Hayes of Taste Cheshire said:

"I’ve been attending BarLounge since the day it opened and from the moment I walked through the door that day, right through to the present day,  I have been struck by how it raises the bar for hospitality in this City. Very few venues anywhere have the longevity of BarLounge, but its success, to me, is no surprise. It is a product of phenomenal hard work and a dedicated and inspiring team who strive to make every experience the best it can possibly be. I know they’re always researching, learning, and developing their offering, sometimes in the most subtle of ways, but that is what sets them apart. It’s fitting, but it should be memorialised in Lego because they have built something amazing brick by brick, drink by drink. BarLounge is an icon in Chester and the bar by whom everyone else is judged."

Pictured - The Lego model of BarLounge, created as part of the popular bar's 25^th Anniversary celebrations.

Picture Credit - Mark Carline.