Kevin Sykes is Professor of Occupational Health and Fitness and Dean of International Development at the University of Chester.

Kevin is adviser to the UK Fire and Police Services and on the board of the National Obesity Forum. He is a speaker, broadcaster, and an author of numerous books and scientific papers and a regular columnist on health, fitness and obesity issues. He also featured on the recent Sky TV series ‘Fat Pats, Fat Owners’. He lives with his wife, Jo, in Rossett

Restaurant 1539, Chester Racecourse1539 Restaurant and Bar. 01244 304611 www.restaurant1539.co.ukIt’s difficult to decide whether I enjoy this restaurant for the consistently excellent menu and wine list or the magnificent view of Chester Roodee Racecourse. Having only recently discovered the joys of racing, it’s such a pleasure to be able to visit the Racecourse all the year round and enjoy the attentive service and relaxing atmosphere created by those who manage this attractive restaurant - and you can park!A pre-dinner drink in Ruinarts at the Roof is an essential start to the evening, particularly in the summer and you never know who you might meet there.

Frogg Manor, BroxtonNantwich Road, Broxton01829 782629www.froggmanorhotel.co.ukWe love an evening at Frogg Manor. Maybe it’s something to do with my name, but we are always made so welcome by the host and owner John Sykes! I recently celebrated yet another birthday and enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the rather faded but genteel grandeur of the upstairs lounge with its antique furniture and 1930’s music, not forgetting the Frogs, of course.The food is wonderfully cooked to order so expect a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it. After dinner you can relax with a liberal supply of coffee back in the lounge where, invariably, John will join you for a chat.Frogg Manor is an enjoyable but very different dining experience which I thoroughly recommend.

The Gunnery, TarvinHigh Street, Tarvin 01829 749333I love the atmosphere of The Gunnery. My wife, who was brought up in Tarvin, introduced me to this restaurant, bar and deli which she had known in a previous life as a bakery and grocery store. The restaurant has a wonderful choice of locally sourced food and wine and you can sit at a window in one of the upstairs rooms watching village life go by. It’s also a good place to call at for lunch and to do a bit of delicatessen shopping if you feel so inclined.La Brasserie at the Chester GrosvenorEastgate, Chester. 01244 324024www.chestergrosvenor.comAlways a favourite on a Sunday evening to dine with friends. The quietly efficient but friendly service provides just the right atmosphere for marking the end of the weekend. Their ‘Two for the price of one’ has turned into the Celebration Menu, but it’s still a good deal with three courses, coffee and a glass of champagne or half a bottle of wine for less than �30 each. The food is always beautifully presented and is undoubtedly one of the places to be.Joseph Benjamin,140 Northgate Street, Chester01244 344295I pass this charming restaurant and deli whenever I walk from my office into the city and I have often entertained guests for lunch in their original space.The brothers Jo and Ben are so welcoming and have made a great success of their business, having won several awards. Although the small but excellent menu using local produce in a cosy environment has now expanded into something more sophisticated, never-the-less it continues to please.