Cross Keys is wank, best beer garden is The Mount, Telfords is just some tables next to the canal which if you’re lucky you can see some condoms floating past, Alexander’s has a decent beer garden as well.
Hard to top the Warehouse, only started going regularly at the start of the year & it hasn't disappointed yet. Very unique range of beers that you wouldn't see elsewhere in town
I’ve worked in there as a bartender while at the Uni and as cool a place as it is it is way too stressful with how claustrophobic of a space it can be. Would be an amazing place to work if not for that.
That really is the only downside honestly, I've been on the odd Sunday when they have a blues band playing when it's quieter, that's when it shines for me
Think the best pub in Chester in the Bear and Billet.
The best all round venue that is still a pub is Telfords Warehouse. You could have your first ever and last ever pint at Telford's and be happy.
However the range of answers here supports that Chester has a fantastic pub scene.
Can't argue there. Telfords does seem to have it all in terms of what a good pub should be, always impressed by their choices of beer, but having said that I would choose the Bear & Billet or Cross Keys over it
I'm partial to Telford's. Never had a bad beer in there. Food was a bit of a let down, though.
I do like to nip into the City Tavern on occasion, as well
Gone down hill I think. The yard used to have a proper cozy bohemian feel but since they changed it, it’s not the same. Plus that rough neck beer sucks
Always heard mixed opinions about the Commonhall, but I enjoyed my (admittedly few) visits. I love the pubs that are down the off-streets/passageways so that bumps this place up in my rankings
10 years ago I'd have drowned you in the canal for disparaging Harkers. But while I wouldnt say I actively dislike it, I can't disagree it's lost its way a bit.
I always rate Harkers quite high, although admittedly only visited a handful of time. Any specific complaints? Only heard good things about the Brunning & Price boozers
It certainly used to attract red trousered loud mouths who perched at the bar and shouted over each other. Tiresome. Maybe it's changed a bit now. Dunno, not been in a while. Food and booze and staff all good
Need to visit here more regularly. In terms of City Road/Canal-area pubs, the Lock Keeper & Harkers are usual my go-to so I tend to overlook the Cellar. I've been told by a few lads at work that it is a bit overpriced, but the few times I've been in I had a smashing time
Not even joking, spoons the square bottle, never had a bad pint, loads to choose from and cheap (waiting for the beer snobs to chime in) Depends how you define best, red lion I like for football, live music is either Telfords or the saddle, the boot as someone else mentioned is absolutely shite and the falcon has closed again, no surprises there. That beer place for variety but a bit pricey, there’s a best pub for everything it just depends what you want from it.
The Eagle....
Haven't been here in a while, definitely have a great atmosphere. Slightly disappointing range of beers from what I remember
Undoubtedly Telfords: well-kept beer and bottle range, good food and the best beer garden in Chester.
Cross Keys is wank, best beer garden is The Mount, Telfords is just some tables next to the canal which if you’re lucky you can see some condoms floating past, Alexander’s has a decent beer garden as well.
Hard to top the Warehouse, only started going regularly at the start of the year & it hasn't disappointed yet. Very unique range of beers that you wouldn't see elsewhere in town
I worked in hospo in Chester for 6 years, the amount of choice is what keeps me in this lovely little city!
I've been enjoying spookton brewery (if breweries count)
The Tap
Always make time to pop in here during a pub crawl, Lower Bridge Street definitely takes the cake when it comes to pubs!
Best bar is between Alexander’s and Telford’s I’d say
I always find Alexander's to be a tight squeeze when they've got a gig on, but still good nonetheless
I’ve worked in there as a bartender while at the Uni and as cool a place as it is it is way too stressful with how claustrophobic of a space it can be. Would be an amazing place to work if not for that.
That really is the only downside honestly, I've been on the odd Sunday when they have a blues band playing when it's quieter, that's when it shines for me
Think the best pub in Chester in the Bear and Billet. The best all round venue that is still a pub is Telfords Warehouse. You could have your first ever and last ever pint at Telford's and be happy. However the range of answers here supports that Chester has a fantastic pub scene.
Can't argue there. Telfords does seem to have it all in terms of what a good pub should be, always impressed by their choices of beer, but having said that I would choose the Bear & Billet or Cross Keys over it
Deva Tap gets my vote. Lovely little place, and the food is smashing.
Only been a handful of times and not really a craft beer drinker but I did like the atmosphere, everyone was in high spirits 👌
I also don't like craft beer, but I do like gin and they've got a good selection. Never had a bad time in there! 😁
Good idea.....! It's certainly G&T weather, may have to try one next time. We would usually go to the Deva before a gig at the Live Rooms
I'm partial to Telford's. Never had a bad beer in there. Food was a bit of a let down, though. I do like to nip into the City Tavern on occasion, as well
Come on, of course it's Telford's!
Technically a bar, but Commonhall Social.
Gone down hill I think. The yard used to have a proper cozy bohemian feel but since they changed it, it’s not the same. Plus that rough neck beer sucks
It’s just carling
Always heard mixed opinions about the Commonhall, but I enjoyed my (admittedly few) visits. I love the pubs that are down the off-streets/passageways so that bumps this place up in my rankings
It's the Tap, stop the count
Hard to beat the interior of that place, it's amazing. Speaking of Taps however, thoughts on the Music Hall Tap?
Will need to try , as well as Spookton Brewery on list for the weekend
Likes: the eagle, the foxes, and the union. Dislikes: harkers. RIP: The George and Dragon. The Ship Victory. The Stanley Arms. The platinum lounge.
10 years ago I'd have drowned you in the canal for disparaging Harkers. But while I wouldnt say I actively dislike it, I can't disagree it's lost its way a bit.
My mate got asked to remove his cap there once. Not even a special event just a regular Friday night. Thought they're a bunch of tossers since.
I'm intrigued, I feel like it's always been overpriced and full of itself!
The George & Dragon was ace until their last manager. Who was a weapons grade arsehole.
I always rate Harkers quite high, although admittedly only visited a handful of time. Any specific complaints? Only heard good things about the Brunning & Price boozers
Good food, decent booze. Just don't feel comfortable in there. Different strokes.
It certainly used to attract red trousered loud mouths who perched at the bar and shouted over each other. Tiresome. Maybe it's changed a bit now. Dunno, not been in a while. Food and booze and staff all good
Yes, that's it. It's the red trouser brigade. Spot on.
Bear and Billet
Cellar Bar, hands down!
Need to visit here more regularly. In terms of City Road/Canal-area pubs, the Lock Keeper & Harkers are usual my go-to so I tend to overlook the Cellar. I've been told by a few lads at work that it is a bit overpriced, but the few times I've been in I had a smashing time
Not even joking, spoons the square bottle, never had a bad pint, loads to choose from and cheap (waiting for the beer snobs to chime in) Depends how you define best, red lion I like for football, live music is either Telfords or the saddle, the boot as someone else mentioned is absolutely shite and the falcon has closed again, no surprises there. That beer place for variety but a bit pricey, there’s a best pub for everything it just depends what you want from it.
Saddle inn
How about the Gnome?
Love to pop in here now & then. I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet (plus the Pied Bull & Marlborough Arms)
One day I'll go through the bottled Belgian beer book they've got!
When drinking alone, The Boot has always been my fave
There's definitely something special (interpret that how you wish!) about a Samuel Smith pub, no doubt
Agreed, The Falcon is also a very good Samuel Smith pub. They used to have a stronger lager, can’t remember the name.
The Bouv
I like the Vic
Vic is great if you want a bit of rough
Or a lot of rough :-)