In a paragraph
Blue Bell is the historic Northgate Street tapas restaurant in a timber-framed building dating back to 1494, with small rooms, Mediterranean dishes, paella, wine and a rear garden.
What it's like
Blue Bell has the kind of building that does half the hospitality before the food arrives: old timber, low beams, wobbly charm, small rooms and enough corners to make a meal feel tucked away from Northgate Street.
Cosy tapas, garden doing work
The menu is Mediterranean tapas rather than old English pub food, which sounds odd until you are in there with sangria, patatas bravas and a table that has decided to order one more dish.
Worth knowing
Blue Bell survives because the building, food and atmosphere make a persuasive case together. It is not the cheapest tapas and it is not built for rushing. Give it time and it makes much more sense.
The essentialsVisit
Getting there
0.2 miles from The Cross. No venue parking. Use city-centre car parks around Northgate, Market or Delamere Street and walk in.
Hours
Current listed hours are daily from 12:00, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. Check direct around holidays and private events.
Food & drink
Mediterranean tapas, paella, small plates, desserts, wine, cocktails and lunch/dinner service. Patatas bravas, chorizo, prawns, cauliflower wings, tapas to share and paella if you have time. Ask staff how much to order before the table gets ambitious.
Access
Wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating are listed, but the old building has stairs and awkward bits. Book a suitable table direct.
9.2 OpenStreetMap - Hours
- Current listed hours are daily from 12:00, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. Check direct around holidays and private events.
- Address
- 65 Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HQ
- Booking
- Yes for weekends, evenings, groups, garden plans and ground-floor seating requests.
- Pay
- cards, contactless
- Dogs
- Dog-friendly inside and outside according to current amenity data, but check direct if booking food with a dog.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating are listed, but the old building has stairs and awkward bits. Book a suitable table direct.
- Getting there
- 0.2 miles from The Cross. No venue parking. Use city-centre car parks around Northgate, Market or Delamere Street and walk in.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby food
Nearby attractions
FAQ
What kind of food does Blue Bell Chester serve?
Mediterranean tapas, paella, small plates, desserts, wine and cocktails.
Do you need to book Blue Bell Chester?
Yes for weekends, evenings, groups, garden plans and ground-floor seating requests.
Is Blue Bell Chester dog-friendly?
Current amenity data says dogs are allowed inside and outside, but check direct when booking food with a dog.
Is Blue Bell Chester good for gluten-free diners?
It is one of the stronger tapas options for gluten-free choice, but check direct for allergens and coeliac-level needs.
Is Blue Bell Chester accessible?
Some accessible features are listed, but the building is old and has stairs. Book direct and ask for the right table.
