The couple who swapped Michelin stars for Monster Munch battered onion rings

James and Amelia, the husband-and-wife team behind Jaimitos, walked away from one of the most recognised accolades in food to build something they wanted to eat weekly. The result is a bold, ever-changing dining concept now in residency at That Beer Place on Foregate Street in Chester.

The pair previously helped earn a Green Michelin Star, an award recognising both culinary excellence and genuine commitment to sustainability, before choosing to step away and build something of their own. After a run of pop-ups across Cheshire and Liverpool that built a loyal following through word of mouth, they've now landed at That Beer Place.

Each month, Jaimitos picks a cuisine people genuinely love and reimagines it with the ingredient quality and skill usually found in high-end restaurants. Kebabs, Chinese takeaway favourites, Mexican street food. But don't expect tiny portions or white tablecloths. May’s menu featured slow-cooked pork cooked in Mexican spices, battered haddock & fried king oyster mushrooms, all served on corn tortillas made to order in house… As well as a chorizo verde sausage roll, because who doesn’t love a sausage roll in the pub.
Next month, everything changes.

Some of our favourite meals have not been in fancy dining rooms,

They've been late-night kebabs, Chinese takeaways with friends, sitting around sharing food without any pretence. We wanted to keep the techniquel and care, but make it feel warm, accessible and genuinely fun.

Chester loves independents, and it loves people who do things properly,

What James and Amelia are doing is serious cooking that doesn't take itself too seriously. You can eat brilliantly and drink something world-class without feeling like you need to get all dressed up.

Alongside the monthly menu, Jaimitos also hosts intimate tasting evenings, seven or eight courses paired with beers, ciders and other drinks chosen from That Beer Place's award-winning range. It's a deliberate alternative to the ubiquitous wine-led tasting format, served up in a setting that's relaxed, curious and genuinely sociable. Guests have already been travelling from across the North West specifically for the experience.

From their first run of what the pair are affectionately calling “Hecho by Jaimitos”, one guest, Nathan, said “Each course is complimented and enhanced by the one before it, and, just when I thought it had reached a peak with the Mole Negro, out came one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Can’'t wait for the next night”

New menus and tasting dates are announced through Jaimitos and That Beer Place social media channels.