Amboseli Restaurant, where guests dine with giraffes, antelopes and zebras roaming in the background, is celebrating its first birthday. The restaurant forms part of Chester Zoo’s safari-style lodge resort, The Reserve, which welcomed its first guests on Monday, August 18, last year.
To mark the milestone, the ECHO caught up with the team to find out how visitors have taken to the unique venue over the last 12 months.
A Unique Dining Experience
Ruth Duckworth, general manager at The Reserve, said: “Dining at the Amboseli restaurant here at The Reserve is such a special and unique experience – there aren't many places in the UK that you can enjoy a meal with giraffe and zebra roaming just a few feet away.
“I’ve recently joined the team here, and one of my favourite dishes is the seabass, but if you’re looking for a treat, then the Afternoon Teas are heavenly.”
The concept for the restaurant dates back to 2018, meaning its eventual opening was “a massive result” for the team. With space for 100 diners, the restaurant has a strong family focus, offering sharing platters and meals, as well as all-day dining and lighter snacks. The restaurant was initially only available to guests staying at The Reserve, however it has now opened to the public for non-residential bookings.
Menu and Evening Experiences
Those who are staying at The Reserve with VIP rooms do have the choice to request bespoke menus, meals and private BBQs. The menu features a range of dishes, from salt-and-pepper crispy squid, seasonal soup and chicken wings to wood-fired pizza, mussel linguine and corn-fed chicken.
For dessert, guests can choose from treats including sticky toffee pudding, poached apricots and a Bakewell slice. As the sun sets, visitors are encouraged to unwind in the Tsavo Lounge with a drink on the lakeside terrace.
Each evening, guests can grab a blanket and join Chester Zoo’s expert rangers around the fire pit for a sundowner or warming hot chocolate, while hearing stories from the field.
Conservation at the Core
Head chef Shawn Pinto said: “Dining at The Reserve has been really well received, we go from strength to strength – and we are pleased to have seen a rise in non-resident bookings recently as word gets out.
“Whilst the menu has evolved over the past year, the focus remains on sourcing the best of local, seasonal ingredients but adding a touch of African flavour. We are excited to be launching our new Sunday Lunch sharing platters next month too.”
The Reserve itself features beautifully designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras and blesbok antelope roam, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake.
CEO Jamie Christon previously said: “The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer - not just for luxury travel but for conservation. Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we’ve created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK.
“Guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature. But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose. Everything we do at Chester Zoo - now including The Reserve - supports conservation.
“As a not-for-profit, every single stay directly funds our groundbreaking work, here in the UK and around the world. That includes protecting black rhinos in Kenya and Rwanda, using AI to fight poaching of giant pangolins in Uganda and working with communities in Madagascar to save precious species like the golden mantella frog.
“Guests at The Reserve aren’t just going to enjoy a luxury break - they’re going to power our conservation movement for generations to come. This new venture will help strengthen the zoo’s role as one of the country’s most loved and most impactful conservation charities. We believe this is the future of travel, where unforgettable experiences and real conservation impact go hand in hand.”
The resort, including the restaurant, is estimated to attract 35,000 additional visitors to the North West each year, drawing nature-lovers from across the UK and beyond.
