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A journey during the August bank holiday weekend centred in Chester. Chester boasts the most intact city walls, the oldest racecourse, and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the United Kingdom, in addition to a millennium-old Cathedral featuring Europe’s most exquisite medieval carvings. Throughout two days, I explored various pubs, craft beer bars, micropubs, breweries, and additional establishments, all elaborated upon below.
Cross Keys
Upon my arrival in Chester, my initial visit is to The Cross Keys. Established as a public house in 1894, it was acquired by Joule’s Brewery in 2012. The interior is charming, featuring wooden flooring and panelling throughout. The atmosphere is enhanced by exquisite stained glass windows and etched mirrors. An upstairs function room, known as “The Slaughtered Lamb,” is available for hire. This evening, I received a wonderfully warm welcome from the staff behind the bar.
Customers can enjoy a wide selection of Joules’ standard beers, as well as seasonal specials. A choice of 5 cask ales alongside numerous keg beers this evening. I went with “Calcutta 1757”, a delicious hoppy amber beer, very tasty.
Bear & Billet
My second visit yesterday took me across the road to Bear and Billet, an impressive Grade I listed timber-framed structure from the 17th century, established in 1664. This was originally the home of the Earls of Shrewsbury. The interior exudes a cosy atmosphere, featuring exposed wooden beams, wooden flooring, and tables. I received a genuinely warm welcome from the staff behind the bar.
I was presented with an impressive array of four cask ales alongside various keg selections. I chose to sample “SUP,” a delightful golden ale from Northern Monk, based in Leeds. It is a light and refreshing brew that is truly enjoyable.
The Brewery Tap
A brief stroll leads me to The Brewery Tap Chester, managed by Spitting Feathers. This stunning Grade II listed structure was once the residence of Charles I in 1645. Ascending a few steps into the bar reveals an impressive interior featuring lofty ceilings, stone flooring, and decorative tapestries adorning the walls. The establishment also offers a variety of appetizing food options.
I was presented with a remarkable variety of cask and keg beers at the bar. Today, there are 8 keg options and 7 cask selections available. I chose to sample the “Mouth Pans Hop” (MPH) from Spitting Feathers Brewery. This beer is notably hop-forward, having undergone double dry hopping both during and after the fermentation process, resulting in an array of exceptional flavours.
Cavern of the Curious Gnome
The subsequent destination is The Cavern of the Curious Gnome, situated on one of Chester’s distinctive shopping balconies. Below, one can find Paysan, which focuses on wine, coffee, and cheese, while the Cavern of the Curious Gnome is located on the upper level. A large dwarf statue gazes down upon patrons, complemented by toadstool seating at the bar. Visitors are greeted with a wonderfully warm welcome.
This exceptional establishment focuses on Belgian beers while also providing a diverse selection of cask and craft beers. This evening, there are 15 keg beers and 4 cask beers available. I opted for a keg beer from Left Handed Giant, a brewery based in Bristol. The “Sky Above” is a triple-hopped pale ale featuring Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops. It is a delightful beverage, rich in flavour.
Halcyon Garden
A stroll to the outskirts of Chester led me to Halcyon Garden, previously known as Goat & Munch during my last visit in 2021 and was Chester’s first Micropub. This establishment is situated in a former electrical appliance repair shop. Upon arrival, I received a warm welcome from Amrik, who has been the proprietor for over two years. The micropub is charmingly compact, featuring a main room upon entry and a smaller adjacent room. The ambience is wonderfully cosy and inviting.
This evening, the bar features an outstanding array of cask ales, kegs, and ciders. Today, I opted for “Rantipole,” a product of the Three Tuns Brewery located in Shropshire. It is a delightful light bitter that boasts a rich flavour profile and a generous hop presence.
Telford’s Warehouse
My last visit on the first night involved a brief stroll to Telford’s Warehouse. This remarkable converted Georgian warehouse, situated along the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal, boasts original features and artefacts throughout, complemented by windows that offer stunning views of the canal basin. The interior exudes a cosy and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a warm reception from the staff behind the bar.
The establishment offers a remarkable array of cask and keg selections, alongside a wide range of canned drinks. This evening, four cask beers were featured at the bar, and I chose the “Cheshire Car” from Weetwood Ales, located in Kelsall. This blonde ale is light and floral, boasting a rich flavour profile and exceptional refreshment.
The Pied Bull
The second day commences today in Chester, with plans to travel to Mold before returning to Chester later in the evening. My initial visit today was to The Pied Bull Chester, an exceptional coaching inn dating back to the 11th Century, originally known as Bull Mansion, and recognized as the oldest continuously licensed establishment in Chester. The interior boasts a remarkable historical ambience, characterized by wooden beams, segmented seating areas, and an effective use of lighting. At the rear, there is an impressive beer garden that serves as a sun trap.
The establishment boasts its own brewery, providing four cask ales available at the bar. Today, I opted for “Sensibull,” an excellent session ale characterized by a light hoppy profile and a delightful taste.
That Beer Place
My next call is to That Beer Place. This marks my second visit to its current location, having previously visited when it was situated within Chester Indoor Market before its relocation. It is an excellent bar featuring both an upstairs and a downstairs area, equipped with bench seating, as well as outdoor seating at the front. I received a wonderfully warm welcome during my visit today.
The establishment offers an extensive selection of beers on tap, with cask beer available on occasion, alongside a variety of ciders and refrigerators filled with bottles and cans. Today I went with a sour beer from Cambridgeshire based Pastore Brewing and Blending. “Panna Cotta Raspberry, Rhubarb & Pistachio”, a delicious, tart and fruity sour with so many flavours coming through.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
My next visit in Chester is to Brewhouse & Kitchen – Chester, a well-known bar that features a limited selection of pubs, each of which brews its own beers on-site. They provide a brewery experience day that is both cost-effective and highly educational. This establishment is located in Forest House, which dates back to approximately 1759 and is recognized as one of the finest preserved Georgian structures in Chester. It boasts a spacious bar with multiple seating arrangements on the upper level, a cellar bar on the lower level, and a balcony seating area.
The bar features an impressive array of three cask beers, complemented by an excellent selection of keg beers, many of which are brewed on the premises. I chose to sample the “Golden Boy,” a golden ale characterized by its hoppy and citrus notes, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
Beer Heroes
My next stop was Beer Heroes Chester, an impressive bottle shop and taproom that boasts a stylish interior featuring a cellar-like room filled with an extensive selection of bottles and cans. There is ample seating available both indoors and outdoors at the front. Upon my arrival, I received a warm welcome from the two staff members behind the bar.
The establishment offers an excellent array of keg beers to select from, being 9 to choose from today. My choice was “Rosebud” from Mold based “Polly’s Brew Co”, a delicious hoppy pale ale with some great floral flavours shining through.
Spookton Brew Co
Next, I had a short walk to Spookton Brew Co., a new establishment in Chester. This brewery commenced operations in 2022 as a cuckoo brewing venture and, in early 2024, inaugurated its own facility in Chester, with the taproom opening its doors in March. The venue boasts an impressive spacious area that accommodates both the brewery and the taproom. It is a delightful experience to enjoy a beer in proximity to where it is crafted. Upon my arrival, I received a warm welcome from the staff behind the bar,.
They offered an excellent variety of their own keg beers alongside selections from guest breweries. Additionally, cask beer is typically available on weekends. 10 keg lines today on the bar, choosing to go with “Tropic Nonsense”. A sour, tart and fruity mango and blueberry sour beer.
The Cornerhouse
A brief stroll towards the railway station leads me to The Cornerhouse, an exquisite mock Tudor structure that is hard to overlook. Upon entering, one is greeted by a delightful and inviting atmosphere, characterized by wooden flooring, exposed brick walls, and ceiling beams. The establishment also offers outdoor seating at the front.
I was welcomed with genuine warmth and enjoyed an impressive selection of 4 cask beers and keg beers available at the bar. I decided to try “Prioritise Pleasure,” a delightful kettle sour brewed by Arbor Ales in Bristol, featuring flavours of passion fruit, orange, and lime.
The Cellar
The journey leads to The Cellar, a sister establishment of The Cornerhouse, which I had visited earlier. This remarkable bar features a spacious upper room and an additional area downstairs, complemented by a bench situated at the front outside. The atmosphere is inviting, and the bar is bustling with activity.
A remarkable selection of cask and keg choices is offered, featuring Milson on cask from Sureshot Brewing. While I have previously experienced it on keg, this will be my first opportunity to enjoy it on cask. This exceptional New England Pale Ale is crafted with Citra, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops. It is truly an outstanding beer!
The Old Harkers Arms
The next visit involves a brief stroll down a set of steps leading to the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal. At this location, one will find The Old Harkers Arms, a charming public house that has been transformed from a historic Victorian warehouse. The interior features exquisite wooden flooring that contributes to a cosy atmosphere. Additionally, there is outdoor seating available by the canal, offering visitors a delightful view.
The pub features an impressive selection of six cask ales available for patrons, in addition to a diverse assortment of lagers and ciders on tap. I opted for “Eastgate,” a beer produced by Weetwood Ales, located in Kelsall. This particular brew was crafted to commemorate the centenary of Chester’s renowned Eastgate Clock. It is a remarkable traditional English Bitter, rich in flavour.
DEVA Tap
A short stroll from Chester Railway Station leads to Deva Tap Chester, just a few minutes away. This charming establishment features historic branding from the “Chester Cocoa House Company.” The interior boasts a spacious open-plan layout that appears to be divided into three distinct areas, while the exterior offers a pleasant courtyard seating arrangement. Today I was greeted with a warm welcome and a lovely enticing aroma of delectable food.
A remarkable assortment of three cask beers, ten keg beers, and various ciders is available for selection. I opted for “Easy Does It,” crafted by Ossett Brewery, located in West Yorkshire. This beer commemorates 25 years of brewing and is a delightful, light, and easily drinkable session pale ale.
Homebrew Tap
My subsequent call involved a brief stroll from Chester, where I crossed the railway and proceeded towards Hoole, the location of the Homebrew Tap Hoole. Established in 2021, this family-owned establishment has several bars situated in the Wirral area. The spacious open-plan design features wooden flooring and tables, creating an inviting atmosphere. During the bank holiday weekend, they are hosting a tap takeover featuring DEYA Brewing Company from Cheltenham, showcasing an excellent selection of keg beers. I received a wonderful greeting from Manager Aaron, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.
I dropped back here on Saturday. On this occasion, a DJ was performing, much to the delight of the customers. I decided to sample one of the event’s pies, crafted by the local “The Bear” Bakery, specifically the “Steady Rolling Chicken” and “Into the Veg” varieties. I opted for the chicken pie, which proved to be delicious, hearty, and bursting with flavour. I am pleased that I had the opportunity to try it! Whilst here I managed to bump into the legend who is Ainsley Harriott.
A great choice of keg beers to choose from, 10 being from DEYA alongside 2 other keg beers. Worked my way through a few of them. “Bang, Bang, Bang from the Bass” is a juicy tropical pale ale. “Seven Way Mirror”, a tasty American Pale Ale. “Starburst Galaxy” a juicy American Pale Ale and finishing with “Magazine Cover”, a crisp and hoppy pale ale.
Bluestone
My last visit yesterday evening involved a 15-minute walk from The Homebrew Tap to Bluestone Bar. This establishment is situated in the Boughton area of Chester, nestled within a row of shops. The name Boughton is believed to originate from Bluestone, thought to refer to a boundary stone located along the road, thus inspiring the pub’s name. It is a charming single-room pub, characterized by its brightness and welcoming atmosphere.
The selection of both cask and keg beers is impressive, complemented by a variety of cans and bottles available in the fridges. I opted to go with “Clear Craze” from Liverpool based Azvex Brewing Company. A tasty old-school style West Coast IPA brewed using Columbus, Chinook and Centennial hops.
Micropub Adventures 