Winter months in Chester – Head to the best pubs in Chester and get cosy
January and February screams pub, and that is something we do not lack in Chester. Whether you’re thinking traditional boozer, modern gastropub, taproom or a quiet place, we have it all in this city. Here’s a whistlestop guide to some of the best pubs in Chester
We have all kind of stops on the food tour, local food and global food. Cheshire produce is a priority as are venues that source locally and are part of Chester’s community. What I felt was a must on a UK Food tour was finding a pub that ticked all the boxes – a good atmosphere, great beer, delicious pub classics, an unusual or inspiring history. That’s exactly what I found in the first of my best pubs in Chester.
1.The Brewery Tap – Best Pub in Chester as voted by CAMRA
If your idea of bliss is drinking a craft ale with a stunning 16th century feasting hall as the setting, classic cooking led by Andrew King and a very warm welcome, you’re home. Not only is the Brewery Tap one of 4 pubs owned by Spitting Feathers Brewery serving some of their best award-winning craft ales, it is also the winner of CAMRA’s Best Pub in Cheshire 2025.
Definitely worth a look, and especially around Christmas when the biggest Christmas tree in Chester appears inside this Jacobean feasting hall, illuminated by candles on each table. Now we’re getting exceptionally medieval. And before you ask, once you’ve made your way up the steps onto Gamul terrace and squeezed your way into the Brewery Tap, they get it through the door…
Spitting Feather’s motto? ‘Life’s too short for shit beer’. Amen.
2. The Pied Bull
The Pied Bull is Chester’s oldest coaching inn dating back to 1155, with the longest continuous alcohol licence. Based on Northgate Street the Pied Bull boasts rooms full of historical character (lots of Chester on a Plate Food Tour guests have stayed here!). Not only that, but this wonderful old pub also has its own micro-brewery creating traditional ales.
Look online and find tours and overnight stays at the Pied Bull. You’ll feel that cosy, British pub vibe, and a character-filled atmosphere in this lovely pub. However, at the weekend it is buzzing with people who come for the excellent homemade food being served up. A real gem nestled near to the Chester city walls
3. The Cavern of the Curious Gnome
There is nowhere I love more than Paysan, a sophisticated, hugely popular wine bar located on the Chester Rows. It serves superb wine (not cheap but good). If I’m on my own I will happily sit outside on one of the precariously slanted benches eating an enormous cheese board at a bargain price. This is joy.
Yet we’re chatting about Chester’s best pubs and therefore you’ll want to take the stairs up from Paysan. Here, you’ll find yourself in a very different world. Glance to the top left and see an enormous jolly gnome looming down over you. Hop up on a toadstool bar stool or nestle into one of the old church pews, then grab yourself a Belgian beer.
What a contrast but what a place! In one of Chester’s best examplee of a Victorian vernacular building (the black and white mock Tudor facades commissioned in the 1800s by The Duke of Westminster), the Gnome is tucked into the Kings House. From the outside it is spectacular. Inside, nothing but quality beer, half a rotisserie chicken and fries if you’re peckish and a lot of chintz. As co-owner Nev said, ‘We’d look at something and say, ‘would you put this in your house?’, and if the answer was no, it went in the Gnome.’ Don’t miss it.
4. The Old Harker’s Arms
A great option for anyone wanting to while away some time next to the Shropshire Union Canal, having a decent pint or a nice pinot, watching the world go by. The Old Harker’s Arms is not only one of the best pubs in Chester it’s one of the most popular and only a hop, skip and a jump from Chester station. You’ll be wandering along city road then come to a set of steps down to the picturesque canal. Posiibly the first thing that will surprise you is a large model of a spitfire hanging from the bridge, second you’ll see Harker’s.
In 1834 William Collinson built a machinery factory on this site by Chester’s canal, nearly 100 years later in 1985, it was converted into the Old Harker’s Arms by Jerry Brunning and Graham Price. You could be mistaken for thinking this charming boozer had been here forever; it looks old with its mahogany wood doors and bar; it feels like you’ve stepped back in time, almost akin to a Victorian boozer in London. Jerry and Graham used a lot of reclaimed material and pub know-how wizardry to create this charming atmosphere.
This pretty pub also serves genuinely great grub with a bit of finesse. In the summer the outside area is buzzing with happy, relaxed drinkers, and what a spot to stop before making your way down to probably (no judgement) drink a few more beers (these won’t be excellent cask ales in contrast) at Chester Racecourse. A winner.
5. Ye Olde Boot Inn
Chester is the 3rd most haunted city in the UK. Not half bad for such a little place. Yet look at the buildings, the history, the gruesome tales of torture going back to Roma Times. Of course we have ghosts. And the majority of those who aren’t well disciplined Roman soldiers still marching around the ancient Amphitheatre, are in the pub.
A Real Piece of Chester Civil War History
The Boot Inn is a mid-16th century beauty of a pub. Made from the ship timbers from Chester’s old port, it was constructed during the civil war and was the watering hole for Loyalist spies. Chester was fighting for King Charles the first, everyone else was on Cromwell’s side. Fair to say we held our own but in the end for the first, and last time, Chester’s walls were breached and in came to troops. One place they popped into was the Boot to shoot as many spies as possible, and now and again a musket ball will make its way out of the old woodwork and into a jar behind the bar.
The brewery is Sam Smith’s and so follows no swearing, no digital devices, no hen or stag dos. It is a drinker’s pub, but so very old and atmospheric I urge you to head to the bar, get what is a fairly cheap beer all things being equal, and sit in the back room. You’ll melt away into the olden days, staring at a tiny fireplace and getting a dose of digital detox.
6. Spookton Brew Co and Tap Rooms
Relatively new to Chester and owned, created and run by Sam and Jon, Spookton is one of my favourites. And not just because I run a Brewery Tour here. This is very much a tap room. Think benches along tables in an industrial style unit. You have a wide choice of Spookton’s own craft ale and beers plus collaborations and other excellent microbrewery options.
Chester Micro Brewery
Inside Spookton is eclectic and straightforward but it’s cool. The fairy lights and random coloured pom poms suspended from the ceiling combined with local artwork on the walls makes this Chetser taproom a friendly, laid back, dog-filled space to relax, have a few pints with friends and contemplate the large stills visible behind the bar area. This is where the magic happens, and it’s pretty unique to be able to see the beer making equipment whilst you’re slugging said beer.
A very welcoming environment with open mic nights, pub quizzes, print fairs and more. Step out of the city centre and experience Spookton, that’s what I always say.
7. The Jolly Gardener
If you’re a Chester local, you’ll be well acquainted with Porta. A lovely, tasty quite unmissable tapas bar which sits on Northgate street owned by Ben and Joe. Chester lads, the two brothers have made an incredible success of Porta, now in locations around the Northwest for foodies silly enough to go further afield than the OG in Chester. In 2024 Porta’s founders went a step in the other direction to add to Chester’s big pub culture, and a new tradition of excellent comfort food in a ye olde pub environment.
Based in Boughton and describing itself as a neighbourhood pub, The Jolly Gardener has lots to offer. Being amongst beams and near fireplaces is what shouts, ‘I’m an old lovely pub’ and the two brothers have sympathetically restored what was The Gardener’s Arms. The stained glass is beautiful; the interior is all old lamps and wooden tables with leather seating. This is the downstairs area where very decent beer is poured, and dogs can wheedle away the hours quite merrily with their owners.
The Best Pub Food in Chester
I will stick my head above the parapet and say Chef George Prole, of Covino fame, has made a stunning job of combining pub snacks (scotch eggs handmade, delicious, I must go back soon) with real gastronomic delights in the upstairs dining space. Great beer, class wine and superior cooking. I suppose this could be called a gastro pub, but it feels wrong to do so because of its lack of chain feel, the quality of the cooking and the old-fashioned loveliness that surrounds you. Make of it what you will but even though the newly restored Jolly Gardner perches just outside Chester’s walls and is a bit of a walk or tiny taxi journey, I will tell you now, it’s worth a visit.
Some other of Chester’s Best Pubs I can’t not mention
It’s so hard because we are a city of historical pubs, quirky little bars, cosy traditionalism and trendy gastros. I have compiled a few favourites below and pubs I know are favourites with Chester locals.
For a bit of fun head to Flat Earth Bar. A mish mash is not an exaggeration but what a mish it is! Yetis on the wall, conspiracy theory decor, not to mention the very distinct Moroccan vibe. Why who can say, but the snacks are great and the beer is good. Very tucked away and in the summer the wee garden is a sun trap. I like it here a lot. Spookton are one of its suppliers and hats off to all bars who go local.
A more gastronomic pub comes in the form of The Duck and Dagger. Located down the canal tow path from the Old Harker’s Arms, definitely worth a look. Recently renovated and a treat inside (think pop art and comfortable seats, some of which are really trendy and could’ve been designed by Mark de le Vega). Not only do you have great choices when it comes to beer and wine, ogle the menu. The food is a step up from pub grub. What a great place this is for a graze or a full meal that gives a bit of thought to flavour, presentation and isn’t stupid money. As it says, ‘Traditional Charm, Timeless classics’, and a few twists I’d say. Lovley jubbly location in Spring and Summer.
Best of the rest traditional Chester pubs
The Ship Inn based across the Dee Bridge in Handbridge is a beautiful prospect. Jolly old (established 1741) and the downstairs certainly goes with the heritage. You can settle near a lovely, crackly log burning fire, surrounded by original features. Be a bit more grandiose and head upstairs to dine with a view over Edgars field, one of Chester’s park areas. I think The Ship has a good cask ale selection and does a cracking Sunday Roast. And I’m not usually wrong about these things
Bishops is a new yet incredibly old kid on the rows. Bishops Lloyd’s pub on the Watergate Rows is a housed in a fascinating timber framed building going back to the 17th century. Only a small pub, Bishops is owned by Neil Chesters (aptly named) whose own Chesters Beer. This craft ale is brewed locally and served at his pub from kegs. Add to this pies and snack, Bishops is a low-lit, dark wood, hidden gem. Fast becoming a firm favourite amongst the ‘have a quiet pie and a pint Chester locals’. Undeniably one of the most attractive little pubs in Chester it boasts a small terrace with church pew seating on the Rows.
Drink your pint overlooking Chester’s medieval streets below.
