Cornichon at The Gunnery: A Charming French Bistro in Historic Tarvin
A charming French bistro in a historic Victorian building offering seasonal classics and warm hospitality in Tarvin, Chester.
Cornichon is a family-run French bistro located in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Tarvin, Chester. Housed in a former Victorian grocery shop, it blends historic charm with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The menu features classic French dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, accompanied by an excellent wine selection. Known for its attentive service and cozy ambiance, Cornichon offers a delightful dining experience in a unique heritage setting.
A brief summary to Cornichon
- 71 High St, Chester, Tarvin, CH3 8JA, GB
- +441829741391
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-9 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-9 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-9:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-9:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, as the intimate setting fills quickly.
- Try the mac & cheese side dish, often praised as exceptional and a perfect complement to main courses.
- Explore the upstairs quirky décor with paintings of famous actors for a unique dining ambiance.
- Enjoy a glass from the curated wine selection to enhance your French dining experience.
- Visit during lunchtime on Sundays for a relaxed meal in a cozy atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Cornichon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Cornichon
A Heritage Setting with Victorian Roots
Cornichon is nestled in the heart of Tarvin village, occupying a Grade II listed building that once housed George Gunnery & Co, a Victorian-era grocery and corn merchant shop. Many original fixtures remain, including vintage weighing scales and storage jars, which add authentic character and a sense of history to the space. The owners have carefully preserved these elements during refurbishment, creating a warm, inviting environment that honors the building’s past.Atmosphere Inspired by French Bistro Elegance
Upon entering Cornichon, you step into a bar area reminiscent of a traditional French bistro, with dark, rich colors and wooden shelving adorned with pickled cornichons — tiny French cucumbers that inspired the restaurant’s name. Upstairs, the décor takes a quirky turn with eclectic paintings of famous actors and mismatched furniture, adding personality and charm. A small, intimate bar area known as the “post room” features an antique wooden post sorting cabinet, enhancing the venue’s unique character.Seasonal French Cuisine with a British Touch
Chef Ben Green, with over a decade of experience, crafts a menu that celebrates classic French dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly to highlight the freshest produce available. Signature dishes include rich cauliflower and Stilton soup, homemade pasta with heritage tomato salsa, and pan-fried sea bass with chorizo and spring greens. The sides and desserts, such as the highly praised mac & cheese and decadent chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream, complement the main courses beautifully.A Family-Run Passion Project
Cornichon is owned and operated by the Green family — Ben as chef and his wife Lisa as general manager, alongside Ben’s brother Edward and his wife Georgina. Their dedication to quality and hospitality is evident in every detail, from the thoughtfully designed interiors to the attentive and friendly service. This personal touch creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel at home.Wine Bar and Social Hub
The restaurant doubles as a wine bar, offering a curated selection of wines that pair perfectly with the menu’s French and British influences. The cozy bar area is ideal for casual drinks or a relaxed start to your meal. The combination of excellent food, fine wine, and a convivial atmosphere makes Cornichon a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.A Culinary Gem in Cheshire’s Countryside
Cornichon stands out as a hidden gem in Cheshire, blending historic ambiance with contemporary French cuisine. Its unique setting, seasonal menu, and warm hospitality provide a memorable dining experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Cornichon offers a distinctive taste of French bistro culture in the English countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walmoor Hill (Douglas Castle)
7.1 km
Explore Walmoor Hill, the grand Elizabethan-style Douglas Castle perched above the River Dee, a historic gem of Chester’s architectural heritage.
Uffington House, Chester
7.7 km
Victorian literary landmark where author Thomas Hughes built his Chester residence in 1885.
Churchill House
8.2 km
A vibrant academic landmark on Chester’s Queen’s Park campus, blending historic charm with modern learning and scenic riverside views.
Wishing Steps
8.4 km
Historic stone steps at Chester’s medieval walls where wishes come true through a charming local tradition.
Roman South East Corner Tower
8.4 km
Explore the enduring Roman South East Corner Tower, a sentinel of Chester’s ancient fortress and a testament to Roman military engineering.
Eastgate Clock
8.4 km
A Victorian clock atop a Roman gateway, Eastgate Clock is Chester’s most iconic meeting point and one of England’s most photographed timepieces.
Bridge Gate and Old Dee Bridge
8.5 km
Historic medieval gateway and ancient stone bridge spanning the scenic tidal River Dee in Chester’s charming riverside setting.
Crypt Chambers
8.5 km
Medieval crypt meets Victorian Gothic Revival in Chester's most architecturally significant commercial building.
Chester War Memorial
8.5 km
A solemn neo-medieval tribute to fallen soldiers, unveiled in 1922 within Chester Cathedral's historic grounds.
Chester Cross
8.6 km
Medieval heart of Chester where Roman streets meet Tudor architecture and civic tradition.
Chester Town Hall Square
8.6 km
Discover the charm of Chester Town Hall Square, a historical landmark that embodies the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Chester.
Overleigh Water Tower
8.6 km
Discover the Overleigh Water Tower, a stunning historical landmark in Chester, offering a blend of rich heritage and scenic beauty for all visitors.
Chester Visitor Information Centre
8.6 km
Explore Chester's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visitor Information Centre, your essential resource for navigating this historic city.
Chester Free Walking Tours
8.6 km
Experience the rich history of Chester with engaging local guides on Chester Free Walking Tours, the perfect exploration of this historic city.
Chester Town Hall
8.6 km
A stunning Victorian Gothic Revival landmark, Chester Town Hall is the historic heart of Chester’s civic and cultural life.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Chester Fields Country Pub, Restaurant & Wedding Venue
5.8 km
A charming country pub and wedding venue near Chester, blending rustic ambiance with refined dining and scenic outdoor spaces.
Old Pale Hill
5.9 km
Discover panoramic seven-county views atop Cheshire’s highest hill on a scenic, challenging trail through Delamere Forest.
Delamere Forest Visitor Centre
6.6 km
Explore Cheshire’s largest woodland with diverse trails, rich wildlife, and a welcoming eco-friendly visitor centre.
Go Ape Delamere
7.0 km
Experience thrilling treetop adventures and forest fun for all ages in the heart of Cheshire’s Delamere Forest.
Caldy Nature Park
7.0 km
Discover Caldy Nature Park, a peaceful 12-hectare green oasis near Chester, rich in wildlife, walking trails, and family-friendly amenities.
Abbeywood Gardens
7.2 km
Explore 45 acres of seasonal beauty, rare trees, and woodland wildlife in the peaceful Cheshire gardens of Abbeywood Estate.
Sandy Lane Park
7.2 km
A family-friendly riverside park in Chester with an aqua play area, scenic views, and community-led regeneration.
The Ice Cream Farm
7.3 km
Cheshire’s award-winning family farm with the world’s largest ice cream parlour and endless play adventures for all ages.
Chester Shot Tower
7.7 km
Explore Chester Shot Tower, an iconic historical landmark showcasing Chester's rich industrial heritage and stunning Victorian architecture.
Chester City Sightseeing Tour Bus
7.8 km
Explore Chester’s historic landmarks with a flexible hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour featuring expert commentary and easy accessibility.
Grosvenor Park Minature Railway
7.8 km
Charming miniature train rides through scenic Grosvenor Park, perfect for families and railway fans in Chester.
Statue of Richard Grosvenor, Second Marquess of Westminster
7.9 km
A majestic Victorian marble statue honoring Richard Grosvenor’s legacy, set in the tranquil Grosvenor Park at Chester’s historic heart.
The Live Rooms
7.9 km
Chester’s largest live music venue offering intimate gigs, diverse events, and a vibrant nightlife just steps from the train station.
Helsby Quarry Nature Reserve
7.9 km
Explore striking sandstone cliffs, woodland trails, and a historic rock tunnel in this serene former quarry turned nature reserve in Cheshire.
Leadworks Lane Park
8.0 km
A tranquil canal-side park preserving Chester’s historic lead industry legacy, anchored by the iconic 1799 Shot Tower.
Essential places to dine
Cornichon
0.0 km
A charming French bistro in a historic Victorian building offering seasonal classics and warm hospitality in Tarvin, Chester.
The Goshawk
4.2 km
Historic 19th-century coaching inn in Cheshire offering seasonal British fare, quality cask ales, family-friendly amenities, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.
The Bird In Hand
4.4 km
A charming Chester pub blending traditional British fare with creative dishes in a cozy, welcoming village setting.
Vale Royal Abbey Arms
7.4 km
Traditional Cheshire pub serving hearty British fare with vegan options, cozy fires, and friendly service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Fishpool Inn
7.4 km
A warm, family-friendly gastropub in Northwich blending rustic charm with modern British cuisine and a scenic beer garden.
Sticky Walnut
7.5 km
Intimate modern European bistro in Chester’s Hoole, famed for seasonal dishes, warm service, and a cozy, refined atmosphere.
The Faulkner Pub, Bar & Restaurant
7.5 km
A vibrant Hoole gastropub blending fresh local cuisine, lively bar vibes, and welcoming community spirit in the heart of Chester.
Made in Italy
7.5 km
Savor authentic Italian flavors with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of Chester’s vibrant dining scene.
The Coast Tarporley
7.6 km
Savor fresh Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Tarporley with warm service and a breezy coastal ambiance.
Siam Thai & Teppan-Yaki
7.9 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors and captivating Japanese teppanyaki performances in Chester’s vibrant canal-side restaurant.
The Yard Modern Italian Restaurant Chester
7.9 km
A vibrant family-run modern Italian restaurant in Chester serving bold Mediterranean flavors with fresh, artfully presented dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Forge
8.0 km
Chester’s acclaimed steakhouse and fine dining gem, The Forge offers expertly aged steaks, sustainable ingredients, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Atina Kitchen
8.1 km
Experience vibrant Italian-British fusion cuisine in a cozy, dog-friendly setting with creative brunches and warm hospitality in Chester.
Chai Station - Vegetarian vegan Indian
8.2 km
Authentic vegetarian and vegan Indian flavors in Chester’s cozy, welcoming eatery with a personal touch.
Pierogi | Handmade Polish Dumplings
8.2 km
Authentic handmade Polish dumplings in Chester’s cozy Brook Street eatery, blending tradition with fresh, comforting flavors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Queens Road Shopping Centre
6.4 km
Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Queens Road Shopping Centre in Chester, where retail therapy meets local charm.
Olivia & Smith
7.5 km
Discover bespoke jewellery, stylish handbags, and unique gifts at Olivia & Smith, Chester’s charming boutique for quality and personalized service.
erj Boutique & Lifestyle
7.5 km
Discover curated womenswear, footwear, jewellery, and homeware in Chester’s vibrant Hoole at erj Boutique & Lifestyle.
LOLA | Clothes shop in Tarporley
7.6 km
Discover timeless, ethical ladies’ fashion and accessories in the heart of Tarporley’s charming High Street.
Stitch
7.6 km
Discover Tarporley’s premier craft boutique offering quality yarns, sewing supplies, and expert knitting workshops in a charming village setting.
Lagenlook Clothing Boutique - Pale Grey Boutique
7.9 km
Explore unique Lagenlook fashion at Chester's Pale Grey Boutique, where style and elegance meet individuality in every layer.
Lee Louise Chester Ltd
8.2 km
Discover Chester’s oldest timber-framed shop, a vibrant treasure trove of crystals, holistic gifts, and unique fashion in a historic 1571 building.
Church Gifts Shop
8.4 km
Discover meaningful religious gifts in Chester’s historic heart at the welcoming Church Gifts Shop on Eastgate Street.
About you
8.4 km
Contemporary clothing store at Chester’s Grosvenor Shopping Centre, blending modern fashion with historic city charm.
Gift Company CHESTER
8.4 km
Discover eclectic gifts and stylish homewares in Chester’s charming Grosvenor Precinct at Gift Company Chester.
Søstrene Grene
8.4 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired home décor, crafts, and gifts at Søstrene Grene Chester, a charming and affordable treasure trove in the city center.
Lily Vintage Boutique
8.5 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage fashion at Lily Vintage Boutique in Chester’s historic St Werburgh Street.
Foxy Frox Boutique
8.5 km
A stylish women’s clothing boutique in Chester’s historic center, offering contemporary fashion with a personal touch and a relaxed, independent vibe.
Styled Boutique
8.5 km
A warm, independent women’s boutique in Chester’s historic centre, offering easy-to-wear fashion and a personal, friendly shopping experience.
Menkind
8.5 km
Discover quirky gifts, gadgets, and tech accessories for men and boys in the heart of Chester’s historic shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cheshire Cat
5.2 km
Historic country pub in Christleton offering hearty seasonal fare, cask ales, and warm hospitality in a charming rural setting near Chester.
The Lodge Bar
7.6 km
A cozy Chester bar blending classic pub charm with modern cocktails and fine wines in the vibrant Hoole district.
The Old Harkers Arms
7.9 km
A cozy canalside pub in Chester blending historic charm, quality ales, and classic British fare in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
The Shady
7.9 km
A charming canalside country pub offering classic British fare, scenic castle views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in Tarporley.
The Cornerhouse
7.9 km
A lively Chester bar blending craft beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for memorable nights and celebrations.
Revolution Chester
8.0 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Chester city centre, perfect for socialising, dining, and celebrations with expertly mixed drinks and vibrant atmosphere.
The Deva Tap
8.1 km
Discover Chester’s quirky craft beer gem with a vibrant atmosphere, diverse brews, and a welcoming beer garden on Brook Street.
Brewhouse & Kitchen - Chester
8.1 km
Chester’s vibrant brewpub serving award-winning craft beers, hearty British classics, and a lively community atmosphere on Love Street.
Fox & Barrel
8.3 km
Charming Cheshire country pub offering exceptional British fare, a welcoming atmosphere, and scenic beer garden in Cotebrook near Tarporley.
City Tavern
8.4 km
Historic Chester pub blending traditional charm with lively entertainment, great food, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Red Door
8.4 km
Vibrant late-night cocktail bar and restaurant in Chester’s city center, known for creative drinks and lively music.
All Bar One Chester
8.4 km
Stylish wine bar in Chester’s city center offering expertly crafted drinks and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant
8.5 km
Historic church turned vibrant bar and restaurant in Chester, blending classic charm with modern dining and lively atmosphere.
Metronome Jazz Bar
8.5 km
Chester’s intimate jazz bar with live piano, vinyl classics, and a warm, candlelit atmosphere for a perfect night out.
Music Hall Tap
8.5 km
Chester’s lively craft beer pub with rustic charm, live sports, and a vibrant social scene in the heart of the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
