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Chester's pubs

The city has a wealth of inns and pubs that cater for every taste from traditional quiet locals, through listed buildings steeped in history to lively modern bars.

Pub reviews

Here are our thoughts on some of the pubs that we and our guests have tried. Most of them are in the city centre and within walking distance of Baker's Cottage.

City pubs

The Albion Inn

Park Street, tel: 01244 340345.

A popular traditional English pub for grown-ups (children are not encouraged). The campaign for real ale (CAMRA) began here.

"Pub food and atmosphere is fantastic at the Albion" S.G. (August 2009)

"Lovely and unspoiled, with a World War I motif, great for history enthusiasts" B.F. (September 2007).

We haven't tried the food but it has won awards in the past so worth a try. The Albion was very busy on the Saturday night that we were there so we suggest arriving early (November 2004).

The Boathouse pub

The Groves, tel: 01244 328709.

"Great views of the River Dee... it was nice sitting watching the boats on the river." T.B. (March 2007).

"Lunch was lovely, they do a good range of food until 7pm." T.B. (September 2008).

Ye Olde Boot Inn

9 Eastgate Row North, tel: 01244 314540

An old fashioned English pub, perfect for a pub enthusiast - spit and sawdust and real ale.

The Brewery Tap

52-54 Lower Bridge Street, tel: 01244 340999

This fascinating pub is easy to miss because it is not at street level. You have to go up a flight of steps to reach it and it is worth the climb because it is housed in a 17th century Jacobean great hall.

The pub belongs to a local brewery, 'The Spitting Feathers', so you can sample Cheshire real ale. They also do pub food which features local produce.

"We loved the Brewery Tap for food and drink." F.L. (March 2010).

"Spitting Feathers great!" J.N. (May 2011).

The Carlton Tavern

Hartington Street, Handbridge, tel: 01244 676688.

This is the local for our holiday cottage and a handy stop off for a quiet pint on our way into the city for a night out. It is a very traditional, unpretentious pub, usually fairly quiet and friendly.

"First class local", A.D. (May 2007).

"Local, friendly and a good range of real ales - what more could we wish for?" T.B. (September 2008).

Handbridge

66 Handbridge, tel: 01244 676194.

A revitalised gastropub with high quality food and only 10 minutes walk from our holiday cottage. "The Handbridge pub has a nice beer garden!" L.C. (October 2009).

The Old Kings Head pub

48-50 Lower Bridge Street, Tel: 01244 324 855.

"Really friendly atmosphere and lovely food. Stopped off a couple of times for drinks and always made welcome". T.B. (September 2008).

Old Harkers Arms

1 Russell Street, Tel: 01244 344525.

"A great pub with good real ale and food in an interesting building." M. K. (September 2008).

The Ship Inn

Handbridge, 01244 678400.

"Excellent friendly local." A. H. (July 2011).

"Excellent". A. C. from England, (October 2010).

The Victoria

2, Watergate Row, Tel: 01244 347882

This pub has been here since 1269 and is full of character with a good choice of beer, unusual booth seating and a memorable interior.

Out of town pubs

The Cheshire Cat pub

Whitchurch Road, Christleton, tel: 01244 332200.

Lovely traditional pub, great canal side location with a pleasant garden for warmer days. The main drawback is that it's outside the city centre so someone will have to drive. It is also very popular so try it mid week if you want to avoid the busiest times. (Autumn 2004).

The Grosvenor Arms

On the B5130 Chester Road, Aldford, tel: 01244 620228

This beautiful pub is worth the short drive out from Chester. It's in the charming village of Aldford and there is a pleasant, if slightly muddy, walk along by the river Dee to help you work up an appetite for their excellent lunch menu. You can take children during the day - make sure you make time to visit the 'Magic tree' just beyond the church yard while you are there - details in the Kiddiwalks in Cheshire book. (February 2008).

The Peal of Bells

Church Street, Holt, Wrexham, tel: 01829 270411.

This charming country pub is about 8 miles from Chester. They serve food and welcome children. Note that at the time of writing they are closed on Mondays. It's worth ringing ahead to book a table if you are planning a meal in their restaurant which is open for lunch at the weekends and Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

"Good beer and excellent food at a reasonable price", P. & M.G. (March 2007).

More Chester pubs

Of course these reviews are just our own opinions. You can read more formal pub ratings and listings on these web sites:

  • The AA restaurant and pub guide includes two or three places in the city centre and several more within easy driving distance.
  • Visit Chester food and drink section has an extensive list of eating places with short descriptions (although no ratings).
  • Chester@large lists and rates many local pubs (although some of the ratings are quite old and may not be relevant now). There is also a lively forum with discussions about eating and drinking in Chester.

 

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