What it's like
Northgates Bar is a small independent bar on Northgate Street, with cocktails, fizz, live singers, DJs, bottomless brunch, group bookings and a cosy room that gets lively fast.
Northgates is a small-room social bar rather than a pub in the old Chester sense. Think cocktails, fizz, music, friendly staff, birthdays and the kind of evening that starts louder than planned.
It is useful because it sits in the busy Northgate / Cathedral / Market orbit without feeling like a chain. It can be cosy, warm and welcoming, but when the entertainment is on, that is the point of the room.
Worth knowing
Northgates is at its best when you want the room to have a pulse. If you want a calm pint and a newspaper, there are older pubs nearby that will understand you better.
Plan your visit
- Address
- 70-72 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT.
- Hours
- Currently listed as closed Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday 16:00-22:00, Friday 16:00-midnight, Saturday 13:00-midnight and Sunday 13:00-19:00. Check direct: some listings disagree on weekend detail.
- Drinks
- Cocktails, fizz, wine, beer, cider, spirits and party-friendly drinks.
- Food
- Food, brunch and offers are part of the current listings, but check direct for the latest menu before making food the whole plan.
- What to order
- Use it for cocktails, margaritas, fizz, group drinks and brunch-style bookings rather than a quiet pint.
- Booking needed?
- Sensible for groups, parties, brunch, live entertainment and weekends.
- Events
- Live singers and DJs are part of the weekend setup; event listings also show occasional ticketed nights.
- Dogs
- Dog-friendly is listed, but check direct if going later, during music or with a booked food table.
- Kids
- Not one to plan as a family meal. The directory marks it as not good for children.
- Outdoor seating
- There are frontage images with outdoor seating / barriers, but do not rely on it without checking.
- Price feel
- ££. Better value when the deals fit your timing; ordinary cocktail-bar maths otherwise.
How to use it
- For a first visit, use it as a lively middle stop around Northgate Street rather than asking it to carry the whole night.
- For groups, book ahead and say exactly what you need: brunch, decorations, DJ, birthday drinks or a quieter corner.
- For dog-friendly plans, go earlier and check direct before assuming a busy evening will suit.
- For offers, confirm the current midweek and fizz deals before building the budget around them.
What's on and practical notes
Northgates has live singers and DJs at weekends, plus occasional listed events and party bookings. Check direct for the current calendar, brunch slots and deal terms.
No checked TTDC event listings for this place right now. Check its own listings before building a visit around an event.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby food
Nearby attractions
FAQ
What is Northgates Bar best for?
Cocktails, fizz, group drinks, birthday plans, bottomless brunch and lively weekends with music.
Does Northgates Bar have live music?
Yes. Live singers and DJs are part of the weekend offer, but check current timings.
Is Northgates Bar dog-friendly?
Dog-friendly is listed, but check direct for busy evenings, events and food bookings.
Is Northgates Bar good for children?
No. It is better treated as an adult bar and group-drinks venue.
Do you need to book Northgates Bar?
For groups, brunch, parties and event nights, yes. For a casual drink, you may be fine if flexible.
Nearby alternatives and add-ons.
Chip'd Chip'd Chester is a Dutch-style chip shop on Northgate Street, useful for hot cones, loaded fries, kids' boxes and a quick stop near Storyhouse and the Town Hall. 
Blue Bell The Blue Bell is a Northgate Street old pub building, useful for a quiet pint, low-key drink and a historic stop rather than polished dining. 
Chester Town Hall Chester Town Hall is the Northgate Street civic landmark, useful for first-timer photos, events and orienting yourself near Storyhouse.