BEST OF Chester.
Start here when the plan is clear but the venue is not: river, canal, station, racecourse, Cathedral, Storyhouse, Bridge Street or Watergate Street. For pub decisions by purpose, use the fuller guide.
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Best pubs to watch sport
Big screens, proper pints, and the kind of atmosphere that turns a Tuesday fixture into an event.
A practical guide to the best pubs and bars to watch sport in Chester, from proper sports bars to useful city-centre match-day options.
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Dog-friendly pubs
Where four legs are as welcome as two.
The best dog-friendly pubs in Chester, from city-centre stops to canal, riverside and short-hop dog-walk pubs.
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Quiet pubs
Low-key rooms, proper pints and pubs where conversation has a fighting chance.
Quiet pubs in Chester for a proper pint, a low-key chat, historic rooms, local atmosphere and calmer drinking away from the loudest city-centre bars.
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Historic pubs
Old inns, timber-framed rooms and pubs where the building has done most of the talking.
Historic pubs in Chester, from old inns and timber-framed rooms to Rows bars, real ale stops and pubs in buildings with actual age.
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Best beer gardens
Sunshine, suds, and somewhere to sit outside.
A practical guide to Chester beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots, from riverside terraces and canal-side tables to courtyards, rooftops and pub gardens.
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Late-night bars
For when last orders feels too soon.
Late-night bars and pubs in Chester, including lively city-centre bars, cocktail spots, music venues and places open after most kitchens have given up.
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Cocktail bars
Stirred, shaken or otherwise considered.
A practical guide to Chester cocktail bars, from tiki drinks and speakeasy-style rooms to city-centre bars for date nights, groups and late drinks.
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Pubs with live music
Where the band is as good as the bitter.
A practical guide to Chester pubs and bars with live music, from Alexander's Live and Telford's Warehouse to smaller city-centre music spots.
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Pubs by the river
Watching the Dee drift past with a drink in hand.
Four river-led pubs and places to eat in Chester, picked honestly: The Boathouse, The Ship Inn, The Mount Inn and Hickory's.
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Bars by the canal
Towpath wanderings with a stop or three.
The best Chester bars and pubs by the canal, from Telford’s Warehouse and Old Harkers Arms to Duck & Dagger and The Lock Keeper.
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Outdoor seating
Terraces, courtyards, and the optimistic British table.
Pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants with outdoor seating in Chester, from riverside terraces and courtyard tables to quick coffee stops and sunny pub seats.
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Near Chester Station
Before a train, after a train, or instead of one.
Useful pubs and bars near Chester Station, from The Cornerhouse and The Old Harkers Arms to canal-side stops and city-centre options.
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Near the Racecourse
Pre-race pints and post-race recovery.
Useful pubs, bars and places to eat near Chester Racecourse, including The Architect, 1539, ABode, Watergates and city-centre race-day stops.
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Best brunch in Chester
Eggs done properly. Hash browns done crispy. Coffee that was not an afterthought.
A practical guide to the best brunch in Chester, from proper breakfasts and courtyard cafes to bottomless brunch, canal-side coffee and family-friendly options.
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Family-friendly restaurants
High chairs, kids' menus, and patient staff.
A practical guide to family-friendly restaurants in Chester, from Chester Market and casual cafes to pizza, burgers, riverside food and easy group meals.
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Near the Cathedral
Reverence first, refreshment after.
Useful places to eat near Chester Cathedral, from Northgate and Chester Market to quick lunches, family fallbacks and booked dinners.
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Near Storyhouse
Pre-show plates and post-show pints.
Places to eat near Storyhouse in Chester, including quick pre-show food, proper sit-down restaurants, cafes, market options and post-show drinks.
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Near Eastgate Clock
Things to do under the famous timepiece.
Attractions and useful things to do near Eastgate Clock in Chester, from the Rows to city walls and central sights.
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Restaurants on Bridge Street
Central food options on one of the city's most useful streets.
Restaurants and cafes on Bridge Street in Chester, useful for the Rows, quick lunches, family meals and food before the river.
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Bars on Watergate Street
Pubs, cocktail rooms and racecourse-adjacent drinks.
Bars and pubs on Watergate Street in Chester, including cocktail bars, race-day stops, late drinks and quieter early-evening options.