The Old Harkers Arms Chester: canalside pub near the station

The Old Harkers Arms

Russell Street ·CH3 5AL ·0.5 miles from The Cross

Closed · opens today at 10am Russell Street 0.5 miles from The Cross

Best for You need a pub between Chester station and the centre that does both beer and a proper meal. and you need a choice of cask ale

Good to know Pub on Russell Street and dog-friendly

Avoid if You are with children.

Russell Street

Canalside

Adult-only

Cask ale

Pub food

Is it your kind of place?

Go here if

You need a pub between Chester station and the centre that does both beer and a proper meal.
You want a choice of cask ale, cider, wine or whisky beyond the standard pub range.
Nobody in the party is under 18.

Avoid if

You are with children.
You want the cheapest possible station-side pint.
A busy lunch room makes you impatient.

Book for meals and outside tables. The pub keeps some space for walk-ins and runs a waiting list, but it does not accommodate very large groups.

In a paragraph

The Old Harkers Arms is the Brunning & Price pub on Russell Street, combining a daily-changing menu with a serious cask range on the walk from the station.

What it's like

Timber floors, iron columns and blackboards keep it recognisably pubby, even when most tables are eating. CAMRA recorded nine changing real ales at its latest survey, backed by cider, wine and whisky.

Strong food-and-ale stop near the station

The room has a steady lunch and after-work trade, and the towpath terrace is no secret in decent weather. This is a reliable stop, not a quiet escape from the city.

Worth knowing

The operation is dependable and the rules are clear, but neither the room nor the prices feel like a bargain secret. Go outside peak meal times if you want an unhurried drink.

The essentialsVisit

Getting there

0.5 miles from The Cross. Short-stay parking is available on City Road, with Dee Lane and station car parks nearby. Walking from the station or centre is simpler.

Hours

Monday-Friday 10:30-23:00, Saturday 10:00-23:00 and Sunday 10:00-22:30. Food usually runs from noon on weekdays and earlier at weekends; check the daily menu.

Food & drink

A daily-changing menu of British pub staples and wider influences, a separate Sunday menu and weekend brunch. The kitchen is Coeliac UK accredited. Read the day's blackboard instead of arriving for one fixed dish. Sunday roasts, pies, fish and chips and the changing cask lines are dependable starting points.

Access

The pub confirms level access and an accessible loo. Mention any assistance needed when booking.

8.4 OpenStreetMap

Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30-23:00, Saturday 10:00-23:00 and Sunday 10:00-22:30. Food usually runs from noon on weekdays and earlier at weekends; check the daily menu.
Address: 1 Russell St, Chester CH3 5AL
Booking: Booking or reservations are listed.
Pay: cards, contactless
Dogs: Dogs are listed as welcome.
Access: The pub confirms level access and an accessible loo. Mention any assistance needed when booking.
Getting there: 0.5 miles from The Cross. Short-stay parking is available on City Road, with Dee Lane and station car parks nearby. Walking from the station or centre is simpler.

Nearby plan

Nearby pubs and bars

Nearby food

Nearby attractions

FAQ

Is The Old Harkers Arms adult-only?

Yes. Children are not admitted.

Is The Old Harkers Arms dog-friendly?

Yes, in the bar area. Mention a pet when booking.

Is The Old Harkers Arms good for Sunday lunch?

Yes. Book ahead because Sundays are busy.

Is The Old Harkers Arms near Chester station?

Yes. It is on Russell Street, a useful walk from the station towards the centre.

Does The Old Harkers Arms have outdoor seating?

Yes. There are bookable towpath tables, popular in good weather.

Google Places photos