Last year marked a special milestone for Barlounge as we celebrated 25 years in the heart of Chester. Since opening our doors in 2000, the city and its community have supported us every step of the way, so it felt only right that our anniversary year focused on giving something back.
To mark the occasion, the team set ourselves a challenge. 25 Acts of Kindness over the course of the year, supporting charities, organisations & community groups across Chester, Flintshire and the wider region.
By the end of the year, thanks to the incredible efforts of our team and the generosity of our guests, we had raised more than £25,000 for good causes.
25 Acts of Kindness
Throughout the year, the Barlounge team worked with a wide range of organisations, including the Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester Street Angels, Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Flintshire Foodbank, Cash4Kids and Amy & Friends.
The challenges we took on were varied (and sometimes a little adventurous). From abseiling down Anfield & walking hundreds of miles, to racing ducks, planting flowers & volunteering countless hours. Every act was designed to support an organisation doing incredible work in our community.
Team Challenges for Good Causes
In May, our Floor Manager Chloe led the 50K in May challenge in support of the MS Society. The team collectively tracked their daily steps to reach a 50,000-step goal – and went well beyond it, finishing on an impressive 72,000 steps. What began as a £500 fundraising target quickly grew, with the whole Barlounge team getting involved and helping to more than double the goal.
Later in the summer, four team members – Shaun, Ollie, Becca and Nick – took on a gruelling Backyard Ultra-style marathon challenge. Running 2km every half hour for six hours (a total of 26km) to raise funds for Chapter, a mental health charity based in Ellesmere Port.
One of the most memorable moments of the year came with “Sausages at the Summit”, organised by Alex Jones. The team climbed Snowdon, cooking baby sausages at the summit while raising funds for SPACE, a grassroots charity supporting parent-carers of children with additional needs.
Supporting the Community
Our long-standing relationship with Soul Kitchen has also continued throughout the year. The team has prepared and served meals at the charity’s weekly Saturday Supper, donated catering equipment to support the installation of its new permanent kitchen, and helped with fundraising events by providing supplies, glassware and hands-on support.
Alongside these efforts, charity lunches, our now-annual Sausage Fest fundraiser and many individual initiatives from the team all contributed to the final total.
By the end of our anniversary year, the Barlounge community had helped us reach and exceed our £25,000 fundraising target.
A Thank You to Chester
Barlounge founder Neil McDonnell says the 25 Acts of Kindness initiative reflects everything the bar has stood for since the very beginning.
“From day one, Barlounge has always been about our guests – the relationships we have forged with the community, and the city that helped shape us. Hospitality has always been at the heart of Barlounge, where we extend kindness and generosity to our guests, volunteer our time, and help in whatever small way we can. Therefore, the 25 Acts initiative and ‘giving something back’ seemed like a fitting way to mark our anniversary year.
“Chester has supported us for a quarter of a century, and we will be continuing our efforts to raise even more for local causes and remain at the heart of the local community for as long as we are able.”
General Manager Craig MacGregor added that the initiative reinforced the connection between Barlounge and the city it calls home.
“Working with neighbouring charities, schools, and community groups has been an incredible experience – their cooperation and kindness helped us reach our goals, and we can’t thank them enough. Our team were incredible too. Whether raising money, giving time or championing a local cause, everyone wanted to be part of it. Barlounge has always been a locals bar, and this year has reminded us just how strong that connection to the community really is.”
Looking Ahead
As part of our 25th year celebrations, Barlounge has also recently reopened following a major refurbishment, including a brand-new open kitchen, a new bar and an extended outdoor terrace.
The refreshed space introduces new cooking methods, elevated flavours and updated interiors – while staying true to the dishes, drinks and atmosphere that have made Barlounge a favourite in Chester for the past quarter century.
And as we look to the future, one thing remains the same: Barlounge will always be a place rooted in community.
For the latest updates or to book a table, visit www.barlounge.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @barlounge.
