The Best Pubs in Chester
Chester’s pub scene is as rich and varied as its Roman walls and medieval streets. From historic inns tucked along the city walls and riverside spots with floating beer gardens to canal side boozers and a lively brewpub brewing hyper local ales, the city offers everything from classic British dishes and legendary Sunday roasts to craft beers, fine wines, and dog friendly spaces. Whether you’re after a cosy corner with a real ale, a bustling carvery with bottomless gravy, or a sun soaked terrace by the River Dee, the city’s 2,000 year old heritage provides a stunning backdrop for every kind of pub experience. Explore the best pubs in Chester today.


1. The Architect
54 Nicholas St, Chester CH1 2NX, UK
Nestled within the city walls and overlooking the racecourse, The Architect is a true gem for any pub lover! This charming spot offers two distinct experiences: cozy, intimate dining rooms in the original Georgian building, or a buzzy, open-plan garden room with a large bar and glazed doors leading to a lovely terrace. They serve a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the dog-friendly bar area makes it a welcoming stop for everyone. With a passion for fresh, classic British dishes and a sunny outdoor seating area, it’s the perfect place to unwind with great food and a drink in hand.
Photo by Stephen Richards — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Cheshire Cat
Whitchurch Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 6AE, UK
Tucked away in a charming corner, The Cheshire Cat is a proper gem that masterfully blends hearty, traditional fare with a wonderfully lively buzz! This dog friendly haven serves up a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, while the outdoor seating and welcoming vibe make it perfect for groups of any size. Whether you’re popping in for a pint or settling in for a legendary carvery, the kitchen consistently delivers mouth watering dishes that keep folks coming back for more. With brilliant service and a genuinely warm feel, it’s the kind of place where every visit feels like a treat.
Photo by Dave Croker — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Old Harkers Arms
1 Russell St, Chester CH3 5AL, UK
Step into a proper old city boozer that feels like it was transported straight from London, only with a canal side setting that makes it truly special. This is a wonderfully social spot where you can settle in for fresh, modern British dishes and a superb selection of cask ales, wines, and cocktails, all in a space that welcomes dogs and groups with open arms. The food is made with quality fresh ingredients, and the generous portions are beautifully presented, making every meal feel like an occasion. With a relaxed vibe and a calendar packed with awards from the Good Beer Guide and Michelin, it's an absolute must visit for anyone who loves great food and a proper pint.
Photo by Bob Harvey — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Ring O' Bells
Village Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 7AS, UK
Discover pure country charm at the Ring O' Bells, an award winning pub in Christleton that perfectly blends high class dining with a wonderfully relaxed welcome! Their bar is packed with a fantastic selection of classic and contemporary drinks, including craft beers, fine wines, and cocktails, while the dog friendly interior and lovely outdoor seating with covered wooden booths make it ideal for groups of any size. The menu is truly exquisite, featuring generous portions of beautifully cooked dishes like incredible house burgers and hearty Sunday roasts that keep guests coming back for more. With a large children's play area and a warm, inviting setting, it's the perfect spot for families and friends to gather for a memorable meal or a relaxing pint.


5. The Ship Inn
18 Handbridge, Chester CH4 7JE, UK
Just a short stroll over the Old Dee Bridge from the city walls, The Ship Inn is a wonderfully welcoming local steeped in history. With a fully stocked bar offering everything from local ales to premium gins, plus a tempting menu of home-cooked food, it’s an ideal spot for groups and their four-legged friends. Whether you’re after a cosy corner, a light and airy restaurant space, or a private dining room, every visit promises delicious food and a genuinely warm welcome.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Boathouse & Riverside Rooms
The Groves, Chester CH1 1SD, UK
Perched right on the banks of the River Dee, The Boathouse & Riverside Rooms is an absolute gem for anyone seeking great food, fine drinks, and a truly scenic spot to unwind! Their floating beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a crisp JW Lees cask ale or a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, and the menu is packed with mouthwatering options from legendary cheese and onion pie to a Sunday roast with bottomless gravy and unlimited Yorkshire puddings. With welcoming outdoor seating, a dog friendly policy, and plenty of space for groups, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxed meal or a proper pint by the water. Whether you're popping in for a midweek catch up or a weekend feast, this riverside retreat delivers a fantastic experience every time!


7. Brewhouse & Kitchen - Chester
Love St, Chester CH1 1QY, UK
This lively brewpub in a stunning historic building is a must visit for anyone who loves freshly crafted beer, with its own microbrewery producing award winning, hyper local ales right on site! The menu is packed with tempting options, from the signature Beer Can Chicken to a legendary Sunday Roast, and the drinks list goes far beyond beer with excellent wines and cocktails. With a dog friendly policy, plenty of outdoor seating, and ample space for groups, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends, enjoy a fun tasting experience, or simply settle in for a fantastic meal and a Proper Pint.
Photo by Stephen Richards — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Wheatsheaf Inn
Parkgate Rd, Saughall, Chester CH1 6JS, UK
Head to The Wheatsheaf Inn for a proper, wallet friendly local that delivers big on flavour and fun! This welcoming spot serves up cracking beers, wines, and cocktails, with a lively carvery and stone baked pizzas that keep everyone coming back for seconds. The staff are genuinely warm and the whole place has a brilliant buzz, whether you're catching the game, gathering a group, or soaking up the sun in the outdoor seating. It's an absolute gem for a top notch meal and a great pint without breaking the bank!


9. Oak Tree
Upton Grange, Chester CH2 1BL, UK
Head to The Oak Tree for a proper local that’s perfect for everything from a Christening party to a casual catch up with friends! They serve a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the menu offers fantastic variety, including a show stopping Tomohawk steak and a brilliant ultimate burger that arrives on a platter. With outdoor seating, a pool table, and a welcoming policy for both dogs and groups, it’s a brilliant spot to watch the big match or simply enjoy a relaxed meal. The friendly team and quick service ensure every visit feels effortless, making it a true gem for a top notch pub experience.
Photo by Sue Adair — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Watergates Bar
11 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LE, UK
Dive into history at Watergates Bar, a stunning pub set within a 12th century medieval crypt that offers a truly unforgettable drinking and dining experience! This dog friendly hotspot is a must visit for groups, serving up a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails alongside big screen action for all the top sporting events. The welcoming team and vibrant setting make it the perfect place to catch a match, enjoy a family meal, or simply settle in for a round of drinks in one of the most visually striking spaces you'll ever find.
Photo by Dave.Dunford — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons




