New for 2023! The Square is a stunning new venue based in the original stable block where the zoo began back in the 1930s. Offering a large open plan venue as well as a set of unique smaller meeting spaces, the Grade II listed building has been sustainably renovated into a timeless space where old meets new.

We’re breathing new life into square one of our zoo. You’ll find The Square in a secluded setting in the heart of the zoo. Featuring an impressive gated entrance, the building features a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, large feature windows overlooking the garden and a host of original features which tell the story of the original building.

The venue offers ultimate flexibility for weddings and corporate events, with a 200 capacity venue as well as a courtyard, garden and set of unique smaller meeting spaces.

Sustainability

When you choose Chester Zoo for your event, you and your guests will become part of their sustainability journey.

They're committed to sustainability at Chester Zoo and have set themselves ambitious targets, including to be carbon net zero in their scope one and two emissions by 2030, working towards a zero waste operation by 2030 and to buy only deforestation free products in their major supply chains. You'll see some of the positive actions we're taking on the day of your event as they work to meet these targets.

Sustainability is even built into the fabric of our venues. At The Square, they reused materials from the original building wherever possible to minimise waste. The building is heated using an air source heat pump and uses fully electric equipment throughout, eliminating the use of fossil fuel energy in the building.

The Zoo is passionate about building sustainability into their menus, too. They're proud to use locally sourced products where possible, with some ingredients even being grown at the zoo. They're also working across their supply chain to minimise the carbon footprint of the products they use and working towards buying only deforestation-free products.

Room capacities