Our Story
History
The story behind The Guild and its place in Chester's racing heritage.
Race Days at The Guild
The Resting Place of the Man Who Invented Chester Races
In 1539, the Mayor of Chester founded what is now the oldest racecourse in Britain. His name was Henry Gee. Some say it's why the horses are called gee-gees. We are in no position to confirm this, and in no mood to deny it.
He is commemorated in brass inside this building — which means The Guild is, quite literally, the resting place of the man who invented Chester Races. He was also, history records, a Puritan, so he would have disapproved of the cocktails, the DJ and almost everything else we do here.
We like to think he'd have come round eventually.
His racecourse sits at the bottom of our street. There are two certainties on a Chester race day: not every horse can win, and everybody ends up on Watergate Street afterwards. It seems only right that the day should start and finish in Henry's building.
Before the Races
The day goes better with a proper start.
Fizz, cocktails and a room full of people in their best clothes working out who fancies what in the 2.15. You've studied the form all week, the least you can do is discuss it somewhere with a vaulted ceiling.
Then it's a few minutes' walk down the street to the Roodee. No taxis, no timetables, no logistics. Just downhill, which after a glass of champagne is the correct direction.
After the Races
At half past five, several thousand well-dressed people leave the racecourse at once, all with strong opinions about where to go next.
The ones who booked don't have to have that conversation.
Win or lose, this is where Chester settles up. Winners buy the bottles. Losers insist it was the going. By eight o'clock nobody can remember which was which, and the DJ has rendered the question irrelevant.
Where You'll Sit
A Booth
Your base for the day. Somewhere to leave the hats, gather the stragglers and hold the winnings. On race days, the surest bet you'll place.
The Altar
Raised above the room, sixteen guests, drinks brought to you. For the syndicate that backed the winner, or intends to look as though it did.
The Terrace
Heated and seated, for the debrief in daylight.