Latest reviews from Chester

“Down near the river. Beautiful wood panelling throughout, a really smart place. The beer selection didn't quite live up to the venue, for me but I ticked a couple of Joules beers. A pub I'd happily return to.“

Cheeseboard 62 days ago

“Reached by a flight of stone steps from the street. Inside you can just imagine the main room has seen a bit over the past few hundred years. very high ceiling, a tapestry on one wall. There were around 8 on cask (home brewery plus guests) and 4 or 5 on keg from a decent range of breweries on my visit last week. Nice place.“

Cheeseboard 62 days ago

“Absolutely brilliant boozer to the east of the shopping district and not far from the canal. Six cask and about 12 keg await you in this small easily navigable pub. Lots of Sureshot, but other breweries featured include Kernel, Cloudwater, Omnipollo, Holy Goat. British and Continental best of the best also available in cans/bottles. And while it’s pricey, it isn’t impossible by Chester standards. One absolutely not to be missed when in the city.“

jjsint 124 days ago

“A big ol’ modernised pub by the canal. It isn’t a ‘beer pub’ per se but there are quite a few decent beers to choose from: Salopian, Titanic, a couple from Weetwood. I went on one of the busiest days of the year but the staff were still quick and friendly. Ok enough but can probably be skipped if you are in a hurry.“

jjsint 125 days ago

“It may not exactly be a beer pub, but the Cornerhouse does pretty amazing beer. It’s a big black-and-white building but modernised inside. No beer list but there seems to be about 4-5 cask and a few keg smattered around as well, including big-name Schneider and Schofferhofer plus UK outfits like Squawk and Salopian. Decent pub to try one or two although they lack the range of their sister pub, the Cellar.“

jjsint 127 days ago

“Craft beer pub closer to the station than the city centre. It’s in a smallish repurposed building, a sign outside still advertises the ‘Railway Cocoa Rooms’. They have 13 taps, but not many beers that you won’t have found already (I could’ve gotten 2 or 3 ticks out of 13). Not all are craft, there’s a macro or two in there. Not a whole lot in the way of cans or bottles. Having said this, it’s a pleasant bar, it won’t break the bank, and it’s convenient for the train.“

jjsint 127 days ago

“Brilliant Continental-themed beer pub in the city centre. It’s a bit hard to find: you go up to the top part of the Rows, go into the wine bar Paysan and it’s up the stairs. Confused? You won’t be when you see this cosy pub and the beer list behind the bar (on the wall on the left-hand side). 17 beers on tap: 4 cask including Oakham, Chapter and Vocation and 13 keg with Salt, Gravity Well and Wild Card among well-known German & Belgian names. Fridge full of mostly Belgium’s greatest hits. And the barstools are shaped like mushrooms!! What more could you want?“

jjsint 127 days ago

“One of those places that probably doesn’t add up to much using RateBeer stats, but ain’t half bad. Definitely a locals’ pub although I felt more comfortable here than in some of the harried city centre establishments. The beer list is small and cheap for Chester. There are a few reasonable beers from the likes of Westwood and Salopian but nothing that’ll change your life. It’s certainly worth looking in on, especially if you’re on your way to/from the city centre via the Deva Tap or the train station.“

jjsint 127 days ago

“Visited when moderately but not impossibly busy, but it was still hard to find a place to sit, as one room of the pub is reserved for those having the (expensive) food. And the staff couldn’t have made it more obvious the our custom was of little concern. Otherwise it’s fantastic with 8 cask and 8 keg. The Spitting Feathers beers look interesting although I plumped for a Shiny in perfect condition. Keg includes around Corner, Vault City and a 12.5% beer from Kirkstall. Also a massive can/bottle list. Possibly better when quiet.“

jjsint 128 days ago

“Lovely and popular beer shop and tap room in the city centre. As you walk in, the bar and shop (& toilets) are on your right, and the cavernous seating to your left. The taproom is pretty incredible with some fairly ubiquitous German stuff alongside modern British hard-hitters such as Azvex, Polly's, Chapter and Vault City (a 16% gingerbread impy). Service is great, prices are not cheap but they're dealing in high-end stuff. A bit dark with the piped music on the loud side but it's Kate Bush so I'm not complaining. My first stop in Chester so nothing to compare it to but so far things look good.“

jjsint 129 days ago

“Compared to the hustle and bustle of most of the rest of Cheater city centre, That Beer Place feels like a veritable chillout room. Busy but not crazy, the modern one-toom bar (with more seating upstairs) offers about 12 beers on draught, including a couple of lambics. Not the biggest beer list but a) there's a massive can and bottle fridge and b) they don't seem to sell bad beer so if they offer it, you'll like it. This bar is balm to my soul.“

jjsint 129 days ago

“Brewpub and slightly posher than most hotel/restaurant. 'No caps or tracksuits' according to the sign on the door. How refreshingly 1990s. When you come in, the pub itself is friendly with five of their own beers on tap, including a mild and a smoked beer. Not the sort of atmosphere where I'd want to linger, but the beer has kept me here. A must in Chester if only for their own beers.“

jjsint 129 days ago

“This is a distinctive (both in style and shape) building on the junction between Hoole Way and Brook Street. Turn tight outside the station and follow the road round – you can’t miss it. It has a somewhat complicated history. Originally built (many many years ago) as the Railway Cocoa Rooms, about 10 years ago it became the Kash bar run by the Redball brewery. About 5 or 6 years ago it got taken over by Deva Craft Brewery to be their brewery tap (hence the current name). Deva Craft then stopped brewing ! The main entrance is at the city end of the building (there’s also a door half way down the side, but I’ve only ever used that as an erxit). From there there a small room with a few seats (and often some empty casks etc), this leads to another larger sparsely furnished room with wooden tables and chairs. Finally beyond that is the actual bar, and some stool based seating. The beer selection consists og 3 cask beers (I’m sure it used to be more), 10 craft kegs and 4 ciders and 4 ciders. The cask beers are fairly mundane (2 form Ossett on my last visit), the craft keg includes a couple of German lagers, but is mainly lesser known regional breweries. There is also a shelf of cans available for inspection. I believe food is available, but I have never eaten there and there was no sign of any menus on my last visit. Quick Update : a glance at their Facebook page shows recent adverts for wings, burgers and pizza. Almost forgot. There is a pleasant outdoor drinking area at the city end. Note it is not open Monday to Wednesday lunchtimes. It’s a decent enough place but, despite being on a main route from the station to the city centre, always seems to me to be a bit out on a limb. You’ll probably get ticks here, but there are better places elsewhere in Chester. “

Martinsh 228 days ago

“Large plush-enough food pub in a manor house between the main road and Chester Racecourse. Its extensive patio area has views of the course. Inside, the bar is immediately upon you in an open plan area with a plethora of rooms to the right of this offering up a more intimate dining experience. Most tables are made up ready for diners, but those around the bar are good for drinking. Eight cask pulls mainly have local brews, but a couple will probably come from further afield.“

ManVsBeer 440 days ago

“Located towards the lower end of Bridge Street, it is above Paysan, which itself is above street level. Walk through Paysan then up the stairs after their bar. This is a Belgian ales venue and they have a menu book on each table with many brews from Belgium and some from Germany available in bottle form. Cask and keg from the UK are also here so there's no difference in that respect from other places and this selection is certainly worthwhile. These options are all painted high on the wall next to the giant gnome - how they change these when something changes must be worth worthing in itself!!“

ManVsBeer 441 days ago

“Just outside the city walls to the north of the centre, this Wetherspoon is in an imposing sandstone building, although the historic exterior isn't matched inside as it's very modern in design. The front seating areas are a little more intimate than the open plan rear room where the bar and kitchen are located. The pubs enclosed patio area is accessible from here.“

ManVsBeer 442 days ago

“At the eastern end of the shops on Foregate Street, this is the new venue for the bar previously in the market place on the other side of the city centre. A converted shop unit of a decent size, there's some bench seating by the large windows at the front, with the worthwhile crafted keg options at the bar in the corner towards the rear, also plenty in fridges for take-away.“

ManVsBeer 448 days ago

“Small wine and beer shop just up the hill from the single lane road bridge across the River Dee. There's a very decent range of local and regional craft in bottles and cans - some in fridges too. Also has a selection of Belgian and German beers.“

ManVsBeer 450 days ago

“Cavernous keg based microbar on Watergate. The bar is immediately to the right of the door with two low arched ceiling spaces beyond this to sit in and sup. One of them includes craft can options for take-away. It has a high ticker-tax here with my £5.90 a pint option costing £3.75 for a half.“

ManVsBeer 451 days ago

“Following the road north-west out of the railway station this tap is in its own building adjacent to and directly before the lights that connect the street to the main road. All selection were guest brews, available in both cask and keg against the bar at the rear wall, and the choice was well-varied, albeit not extensive and perhaps a little 'safe' in terms well-known choices. It has a patio area outside the front area.“

ManVsBeer 454 days ago

“Large venue with a central bar, upon you straight after you enter. The room to the right of this is open plan and a smaller room exists to the left. Various brews on cask and keg are available, and you could tell they were brewed on-site from the aromas swirling around the pub when I was here.“

ManVsBeer 455 days ago

“This is the former Big Hand Alehouse, which has been taked over by Pubs Ltd (Jerry Brunning’s latest enterprise). From the centre head down Watergate Street, cross the inner ring road and it’s on the left a little further on. Slightly below ground elvel so there are some steps down to it. When you enter it feels and looks like a small place. The bar is to the left at the end of the room, and everywhere is done up in house style. Comfortable seating grouped round tables, dark green walls literally completely covered with old prints. When you go to the loos you find the place is much bigger than you thought, and there are 3 or 4 more rooms done up in the same style. Quiirky cartoons on the loo walls too. In terms of beer there are 5 handpumps, including one serving there own JBA (brewed by Big Hand), another Nig Hand beer, and others than are (mainly) local. There are also about a dozen keg taps, but these are mainly macro. Beer quality is good, and prices fairly reasonable. This is mainly an upmarket dining venue (though no problems with just popping in for a beer). I’ve not eaten here, or even glanced at the menu. However I can confidently predict that the food is gorgeous and the price horrendous ! A bit off the beaten track (unless you are doing the Walls pub crawl), but worth a visit nonetheless. “

Martinsh 494 days ago

“Well, this place is probably this year’s award winner for “most difficult to find” ! It’s a café located slap bang on Chester walls, just south of the Eastgate Clock. I believe there Is as passageway to it from Eastgate Street. A couple of steps down from the entrance leads you to the sales counter on the left, and a small room with seating on the right. Light and airy with prints (for sale) on the walls, and a porthole window that gives a birds eye view down the whole of Eastgate Street. It’s basically a café, selling mainly ice cream, cakes and coffee. However, our interest in it is because it is sort of the tap for Chesters brewery. There are two beers on tap and the whole range of 5 or 6 beers in bottles. (Takeaway or drink in) One word of warning prices are not cheap and the smallest size beers are available in is a schooner (2/3 pint) ! Worth a visit for the ticks if you’re wealthy enough “

Martinsh 498 days ago

“This is Joule’s outlet in Chester. On Lower Brook Street between the Bear & Billet and Brewery Tap – but on the opposite side of the road. It’s in an interesting looking brick building set back a bit from the road, with the entrance actually in a side street. As I said it’s a Joule’s house so (if you’ve been to one before) you know what to expect inside. . Lots of pale wooden panelling with humorous signs regarding their beer. Stained glass windows and mirrors too in this one. Roughly idivided into two small seating areas with about 4 tables in each. There are also high stools to sit on by the bar. In terms of beer it has the usual range of Joule’s beers – their three core beers plus the monthly special. Note there are no longer any guest beers. At least, unlike many other Joule’s houses it does do food. There is a range of pies plus Sunday roast on that day. I’ve not eaten here, but the pies sounded interesting – there was even a “pie chart” to describe them ! Note the restricted opening hours. At least if you go at the wrong time there are plenty of other pubs nearby. It’s a decent enough pub, but not really for the likes of tickers. “

Martinsh 498 days ago

“Not specifically on a corner at this time (maybe in the past), but it does occupy a prominent position on the eastern side of the main ring road around the city centre, accessed via a pedestrian underpass if you are walking here from the aforementioned. It has a lovely Tudor style frontage but is modern inside. Not extensive, it's open plan through its central doors with the bar upon you and occupying the left area after you enter, with several microbrewed casks ales and one or two worthy keg ales to choose from too.“

ManVsBeer 500 days ago

“Just north of the city centre ring road on the pedestrian route to the station on a commercial road that leads to it, this is a locals pub with a central bar, which you walk around 360 degrees. Tables are naturally around it, with a few real ales towards the rear of one of its lengths, including local options.“

ManVsBeer 503 days ago

“In a converted mill building by the canal and connected to the Artichoke bar, this is a extensive bottle and canned craft beer shop in a small thin room. There's lots of local and regional stuff as well as plenty of brews from the low countries.“

ManVsBeer 504 days ago

“A few minutes walk northwest of the city centre and slightly downhill towards what is known at the Garden Quarter. This is a small shop unit micropub amongst a street of small businesses in a terraced house suburb of the city. It's no longer called Goat & Munch, going by the name Halcyon Garden, but it still has four hand pumps at the attractive bar against the back wall of the room, there's a couple of real ciders here too. Warm, friendly and inviting. It was also showing the World Cup Football too.“

ManVsBeer 505 days ago

“Nice little wine shop with a decent range of beers, lots of local breweries, some from further afield, some Belgian, prices ok. Friendly owner. Dog friendly.“

minutemat 608 days ago

“What a step up this bar is to the old place. If the owners were frustrated about being hidden away in the market hall all these years, they've certainly rectified it now, taking up a prime spot that you can't fail to miss when entering Chester from that side. There's a lot of outside seating out front (about 4 long orange benches) surrounded by barriers emblazoned with That Beer Place logos. With such a prime position I expected a more crowd-pleasing style selection, with an array of lagers and pale ales, but on first glance the range is perhaps more esoteric than the market stall. The 11 keg beer lines included wild mixed ferm, barrel-aged imperial stouts, lambic, nitro stout, california common, kolsch, a beer / cider hybrid and a West Coast DIPA. Can't help but feel they've made life difficult for the bar staff having to explain all this to the average beer drinker wandering in. 5 ciders on keg as well, all excellent (Olivers, Little Pomona, Novar etc..) and not a Lilleys in sight! In fact, the cider and lambic bottle selection here is seriously impressive. Someone's clearly thought long and hard about the producers, breweries and beer selection in the fridge. Dog Friendly, free wi-fi. Only minor gripe is the tables being sticky, but other than that I'd have to say it's my favourite spot alongside Cellar Bar. Well worth a visit.“

minutemat 608 days ago

“Well lets get one thing straight first – this place is NOT a Cellar ! It’s a ground level craft beer / real ale bar. They do have a cellar that can be used for functions though I’ve never been there. It’s at the city end of the main road straight down from the station. Apart from the steps to aforesaid cellar, the bar takes up ust about the whole of the right hand wall. There are a few small high tables and stools, then to the left down a couple of steps are the comfy sofas. Everywhere there are large screen TVs usually showing sport – or switched off. In terms of beer, the bar has six handpumps. Timothy Taylor Landlord is always on, and there is usually a beer from Marble (there is some ocnnection). Other beers are a mix, though usually not too obscure e.g. Oakham, Vocation, Brew York. Beer quality can be variable. Prices are on the igh side, but not ridiculous. CAMRA discount used to be available during the week. The rear wall has about 11 craft taps as well. This includes German lager, cider and the expected sours, milkshakes and stouts. There used to be a large range of bottles, and a printed bottled beer list but these seem to have been a casualty of Covid. The current cask / keg list is displayed on a couple of rolling screens above the bar. You used to get free bacon sandwiches on Sundays, but I’m not sure fi you still do. Otherwise vthere is no food. Finally a word of warning – I have been overcharged more than once here, so keep your wits about you ! Despite all the caveats above, this is a decent place. Ticks are almost certainly available. “

Martinsh 617 days ago

“Craft beer bar / bottle shop on a ground floor in the Rows – north side, heading west. It’s been around for a few years now – but I had run-ins with the previous management, and deliberately avoided the place. However, was persuaded to give in another go recently by a positive review from a friend. From the street entrance there are some steps down, with the tiled bar immediately on the right. The place consists of two units, giving the appearance of railway arches (though they obviously can’t be). The left hand one has some seating, anf the right hand one shelves and fridges with bottles. Previously I had issues with the prices being charged not being obvious on the beer list (it was full of little squiggles). That has been changed as now each beer has an A4 sheet to itself – listing type, strength, price etc. I think there are 11 in all, though I’m not sure whereabouts all the taps are ! The beers were are mix of way-out weirdness, and semi-macro craft. Unusually I went for a well known beer – BBF Milk Stout, which was reasonable enough. However, I still have issues with this place. Mainly the barman – the most miserable one I’ve come across in a long time ! He insisted in standing right in front of the beer list, so it was very difficult to actually read the list. And he just help out the card payment machine, not saying how much it cost. I still don’t know how much I paid ! I really can’t recommend this place at all. “

Martinsh 617 days ago

“Genuinely old pub and inn at the bottom of Bridge Street – last stop before the walls. The entrance area is pretty much olde-worlde, but further back there has been quite a bit of modernisation. Rooms opened out, plush seating, cream walls with old prints – very Brunning and Price like ! Large screen TV covers almost the whole rear wall - so I guess it gets pretty crowded when sports are on. Our the back, there is a minute terrace / smoking area. I believe that there is more space on the next floor, but I’ve never been there. That main attraction beerwise is that the place is owned by Isle of Man brewer Okells, and almost always has at least on of their beers on tap (sometimes two). In total there are usually 4 beers plus a cider on tap. Range varies but typically includes breweries like Salopian and Mobberley. Beer quality is usually pretty decent as well. Food is available – in fact this primarily a dining pub, but I have never eaten there. A decent place and a probable tick as well ? “

Martinsh 617 days ago

“Historic coaching inn (reputedly the oldest in Chester) located on the main road north, a little way from the town hall square. [ On the left heading out of town ] From the street the entrance is through a small antechamber (that serves as hotel reception). Through that you come out opposite the bar. Seating areas to the right (mainly dining), immediately left (stools and high tables) and to the left of the bar. Further on there is a food order point, and through a passageway out there back there is a small sun trap paved area. All rooms have large beamed ceilings and cream walls with old prints on them. Sometimes it can seem a bit dingy but mostly OK. The bar has six handpumps. Usually four of their own Pied Bull beersw, a guest, and a cider. A couple of macro craft taps as well. In the past there have been quality problems with their dispensing, but on my latest visit it was fine. CAMRA discount is well advertised – which reduces the price from extortionate to merely expensive ! Found is available – in fact about half the pub is set up for dining. I have eaten there once in the past. I seem to remember it was decent but expensive. Accommodation is available though I have never stayed there. “Luxury rooms” are advertised. There are better pubs in Chester, but this place is certainly worth visiting. You are quite likely to get a Pied Bull brewery tick ! “

Martinsh 617 days ago

“New place run by the people who have the shop in the market. From the station it’s straight up the main road (to Cellar), negotiate the huge roundabout / subway and it’s right across the road. Pretty much the whole front of the place is open to the outside. The old orange tables and bench are much in evidence. Bar is further in to the left. There is also an upstairs, which is much the same – but dingier ! As far as beers go there are 9 craft keg taps, and two for ciders. There are also two handpumps for cask beers, but they weren’t in use when I visited. Beers did seem to be on the weird and wacky side, with a preponderance of imperial stouts and fruited sours, but I managed to have a Dortmunder Export from Edinburgh ! There were some fridges, but I didn’t investigate those. Signs say “drink in or take out” and “350 beers” ! Certainly worth visiting. “

Martinsh 672 days ago

“Best beer shop in Chester. Thnx for looking after us Dave!“

MarcinG 719 days ago

“Definitely not a type of place where you go for crazy funky beer, but rather a place with an amazing ambiance and to enjoy classic Belgian beer. They did have some Pentrich and similar on keg, though. Overall absolutely great!“

Trolleo 747 days ago

“Deva tap was great experience. On my first visit to Chester. We just randomly went there and enjoyed the sun on their outside patio.“

Trolleo 747 days ago

“Amazing little bottle shop/bar in the city center. Good selection, took few cans with me. I also liked the interior, seems private and cozy. There was one situation that ruined my whole experience. Beer I had was an NEIPA by Weetwood Ales. It was clearly off and infected. I don't usually complain for such things, but this one was absolutely undrinkable so on our way out I have told a bartender that they keep selling a beer that's off, so he tried it and told me "it's supposed to be like that, Weetwood are usually s**t". So why do you keep selling them and take peoples money for infected beer, I wonder?“

Trolleo 747 days ago

“Modern craft beer bar with quite a few taps and very good selection.“

Trolleo 763 days ago

“The ambiance here is amazing. Placed in an old stone building, with massive hall in front and cozy back room in wood. Service was great with very friendly staff. Decent selection of local ales, stuff you can't really find in wide distribution but also nothing extraordinary. Just random small local breweries.“

Trolleo 763 days ago

“Nice looking building. Since it's a hotel quite busy in the morning. My last place in Chester. Typical JDW.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Final place before hitting the bed. This place was closest to my hotel so why not. Quite empty compared to other places. Only customers.... teenagers. Bad company. Cold place. Had my beer and off I was.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Saturday evening and packed. Just stood next to the bar, blocking potential customers, but hey I wanted to drink. Met an elderly guy here, well over 70. We talked about world and how stupid politicians are. Later we hugged and wished best of luck 'til we see again. We both were drunk. Will come back here 'cause people were nice here.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Now we hit the place on Saturday evening when football was on telly. Everton vs ManC. God allmighty how bloody useless English referees are! There was clear handball and VAR was looking for that, but came to conclusion that there was offside and no penalty in that case. Le fuck? In beer world that would me drinking a wine and come to conclusion that it's a beer and therefore I can rate it in RB. Place itself was kind of locals place. Will come back.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Overcrowded on Saturday evening England vs Wales playing on telly. Otherwise looks lovely place close to South Gate. Wobbly Bob on cask was really nice on cask. Will come back.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Medieval looking place. England vs Wales rugby was playing on big screen. So place was packed. Managed to find seats in a big table with another couple. They were chatty... Staff was bit lazy, but beers got served. They do flights. Overall nice place, will come back.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“I have to agree with BlackHaddock here. Visited 1.5 years later from him and nothing really haven't changed since then. 1 beer was fine 1 was off and 1 didn't taste as it should have (pilsner tasted as ale to me). But it was saturday when we visited and town was packed of people. Was hard to find empty seat. Overall I liked the place, seemed cozy, but people or crowd made me feel not welcome here. Ohh well, done.“

Marduk 768 days ago

“Saturday afternoon. Place is half full, but no place to sit 'cause all the tables are reserved. I managed to squeeze meself on the corner of the bar. Had burger here, which was cold and not worth even half the price. Some confusion with beers too (pumpclips and entries didn't match) so I went for sure ones. When I left none of those reserved tables had anyone in them. Dunno maybe they just hate money?“

Marduk 771 days ago

“Upmarket pub converted from a former Victorian canalside warehouse with an interior of timber flooring, traditional wooden furniture & cast iron pillars. Blackboards list upto 9 real ales with some from local breweries, plus ciders & perries. Good food served“

Jerseyislandbeer 881 days ago