Shrub is a plant-based Mediterranean restaurant which also takes influence from Asian flavours. Situated in the heart of Chester, Shrub has been recognised by the Good Food Guide for its popular vegan Sunday roast.
The restaurant is a vast space with sustainable wood decor, rattan lampshades, green foliage and a quaint terrace overlooking the street. Whether you want to nestle on the balcony for a midday coffee or settle into the restaurant for an evening meal, Shrub is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Bookings of over ten people are encouraged to pre-order using their set menu which comprises all the best bits of the mezze, small plates and dessert courses. Beyond the restaurant, Shrub also offers catering services, private hire and cocktail masterclasses.
Shrub’s all-day menu offers a selection of mezze, including house pickles, focaccia and hummus as well as small plates, with one to three recommended per person. These include panzanella made with heritage tomatoes, roquito pepper pearls, crispy capers and crouton; frickles in beer batter with curry mayo; tenderstem broccoli cooked over coals with tahini sauce and chilli crisp; and savoy cabbage with gochujang vinaigrette, whipped tahini and black lime. Larger plates come in the form of pasta and burgers, including pumpkin tortellini in a creamy wine and miso sauce with paprika oil and sage; and the house burger with vegan cheese, beef tomato, pickles, baby gem and burger sauce. One of their signature dishes is the onion bhaji with tamarind and green chutney, and their oyster mushroom wellington roast is worth venturing out for on a Sunday.
Shrub is a fresh, vibrant demonstration of how to cook vegan food with flair and finesse. Their Mediterranean flavours and version of a Sunday roast have certainly put Chester’s food scene on the map.