Summer is here and if there is one thing that we can all enjoy when it’s “cracking the flags” is a drink at our local, or, a pub that you just love going to visit time and time again. Yes, even your local Chester estate agent likes to have a drink after a hard week of house views and all the other things you don’t see when you come to sell or buy a property with us.
With that being said, when it comes to Chester beer gardens we are blessed with some of the finest that cater for all tastes and even if a cold pint is not in your vocabulary, you’d be happy to know that many of these establishments have an incredible wine and gin list to go with it.
Of course, if you’re just the designated driver, we think some of these pubs provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day or evening.
So, where are the best beer gardens in and around Chester? Here are our suggestions.
1) The Architect
54 Nicholas St, CH1 2NX
Established just a decade ago, the Architect is one of the Chester highlights and during the “year that we don’t speak of”, you could see that the locals and even those visiting the city missed the casual, laid back approach to pints and even something to eat… With a great menu on offer, there are few locations that can give you a big garden (big enough for a tribe!), covered terrace and even views of the racecourse.
2) The Boathouse
21 The Groves, CH1 1SD
The Boathouse has long been a Chester institution and for those looking to have a pint, look over the river dee and enjoy some funky little setting all at the same time well, this is perfect for all of that. From bougie BBQs to beach huts and an outdoor fire pit, you could literally spend all day here and let life carry on in the background – we could all do with this now couldn’t we?
3) Commonhall Social
10 Commonhall St, CH1 2BJ
Our former neighbours and still our friends, Commonhall Social has all the elements of a great beer garden and well, it delivers. From great beers and a behemoth drinks list to the vibe – zero pretentiousness , all fun – this really is a great spot to come for a drink. The best thing though is the outside area which has lots of seating, low tables and more than a few scattered pillows. It’s just a fun place really and we say cheers to that!
4) The Shady Oak
Bate’s Mill Lane, Tarporley CW6 9UE
Located between Tarporley and Beeston, this is not a city centre beer garden but deserves all of your attention – especially if you’re into canal boats, countryside and a great place for a drink or two. The Shady Oak is a firm locals favourite and one evening here you will see why. It has views for miles, friendly staff, a great menu and a sense of community that is hard to achieve nowadays. This is one to have on your list of Chester and Cheshire beer gardens to visit.
5) Popcorn
1 St John St, CH1 1RE
If you haven’t had your fair share of hanging plants, colourful rooms and even light and airy spaces then, you need to visit Popcorn. The inside is a great mix of fun and somewhere to take a date but the outside area in the courtyard has a square with seating spaces, picnic tables and of course, more colour and floral delights.
6) Oddfellow’s
64 Frodsham St, CH1 3JL
Somehow, Oddfellows’ has managed to keep its rather impressive beer garden a secret from many of the residents of Chester and yet, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone that it would be a great place for a beer garden. A labyrinth of levels make this Chester beer garden a real treasure. Yes, if you know Oddfellows you can expect to see an Alice in Wonderland inspired theme as well.
7) Alexander’s
Rufus Court, Chester CH1 2JW
Everyone knows that Alexander’s is a great little location for live music and comedy but few really take in the fact that the little courtyard at the front is a great place for a drink and to sit back and chill. When it comes to summertime, the space is beautifully illuminated but that’s not all… at the back, there is a great beer garden with lots of seating and space to enjoy all the fun that Alexander’s offers.
8) The Cheshire Cat
Whitchurch Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 6AE
Ah, the Cheshire Cat. We don’t know many that haven’t been to this part of the countryside. Located in the popular village of Christleton, The Cheshire Cat has for the last two decades become a great spot for family meals, reunions and just generally chilling with a paper and a good pint. Luckily the beer garden is equally accommodating with seats on lawns, at the front on the patio and even near the canal. We think it’s time you go pay a visit and take the weight off your shoulders with a casual outing.
9) The Grosvenor Arms
Chester Rd, Aldford, Chester CH3 6HJ
For those who enjoy a little drive out and seeing some scenic villages on the way then, The Grosvenor Arms is perfect for you. Aside from having a great range of wine, spirits, beers and drinks, exceptional food and even a relaxed atmosphere, this pub has a real quaint charm that is often missed. The beer garden is ample and even has a classic tractor at the bottom of the field which, if your children are anything like ours – they will be transfixed for hours on the thing.
