In a paragraph
The Ship Inn is a Handbridge pub a short walk over Old Dee Bridge, serving home-cooked pub food, Sunday roasts, brunch, drinks and private dining in a modernised neighbourhood-pub setting.
What it's like
The Ship Inn works because Chester changes pace once you cross Old Dee Bridge. You are still close to the walls and Lower Bridge Street, but Handbridge gives the meal a little breathing room.
Pub lunch over the bridge
Inside it is a modernised pub with a bar and fire downstairs and lighter dining rooms above. The upper floor looks towards the river and Grosvenor Park; ask for it rather than assuming every table has the view. Sunday lunch and familiar pub mains are the main draw.
Worth knowing
The Ship is not Chester's most interesting drinking pub, but it is one of the easier places to turn lunch into an outing. Book the upstairs if the view matters and Sunday lunch if the roast matters; otherwise you may miss the two best reasons to go.
The essentialsVisit
Getting there
0.4 miles from The Cross. Free parking and street parking are listed, but Handbridge can still be tight at busy times.
Hours
The official site lists Monday and Sunday 10:00-22:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-23:00.
Food & drink
Main, Sunday, dessert and brunch menus are listed. Food service is generally noon-20:30, with earlier weekend service; check the official times before a special trip. Sunday roast, fish and chips, pie, steak, brunch, sticky sausages, desserts or a proper pub main after a river walk.
Access
Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom are listed. Ask for a ground-floor table if needed.
9.0 OpenStreetMap - Hours
- The official site lists Monday and Sunday 10:00-22:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-23:00.
- Address
- 18 Handbridge, Chester CH4 7JE
- Booking
- Yes for Sunday lunch, groups, busy evenings and specific table needs.
- Pay
- cards, contactless
- Dogs
- Dogs are listed as welcome.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom are listed. Ask for a ground-floor table if needed.
- Getting there
- 0.4 miles from The Cross. Free parking and street parking are listed, but Handbridge can still be tight at busy times.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby food
Nearby attractions
FAQ
Is The Ship Inn near Old Dee Bridge?
Yes. It is just over Old Dee Bridge in Handbridge.
Does The Ship Inn do Sunday lunch?
Yes. Sunday lunch is one of the main reasons to book.
Is The Ship Inn dog-friendly?
Yes. Mention the dog when booking.
Is The Ship Inn good for families?
Yes. It is a practical family meal option, with children's Sunday menu pricing listed.
Is The Ship Inn accessible?
Accessible entrance and restroom are listed. Ask for a ground-floor table if needed.
