As soon as the sun’s out, it’s beer garden weather in the UK, and Chester is certainly no exception.
Cheshire’s historic county town has plenty of popular pubs, but to find the very best beer gardens, you might have to look beyond the High Street.
Here we recommend some must-visit spots in Chester for enjoying a beverage in the open air; discussing their setting, food, drinks and what makes them special.
The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms
Not many beer gardens in the UK can claim to float… The Boathouse sits on the River Dee in The Groves, a short walk from the city centre. It’s a riverside inn that introduced a floating beer garden back in 2015.
Since then, it’s earned a reputation as one of the most distinctive outdoor drinking spots in the city. There’s beach hut seating, fire pits and heaters for those long evenings, and a menu which leans on seasonal pub classics.
Commonhall Street Social
From its quiet side street off Bridge Street, Commonhall Street Social looks like a cosy bar with a traditional pub interior. Go inside, and walk through to the back, where you’ll find a secluded terrace that locals consider an essential summer drinking spot.
Aside from an impressive craft beer selection, there’s a ping-pong table, heaters and a BBQ. The bar actually occupies an old mill building, giving it exposed brickwork, timber features and plenty of character. You can also catch live performances in the upstairs event space.
Alexander’s Live
Alexander’s Live is located alongside Chester’s historic Roman City Walls – but there is nothing defensive about the atmosphere you’ll find in one of the city’s largest beer garden.
During the summer months, this space transforms into an outdoor venue hosting live music, comedy nights, and festivals against one of the most atmospheric backdrops in Chester. In fact, its comedy night is recognised as the longest-running in the whole North West.
The Fishpool Inn
Just outside the city on the fringes of Delamere Forest, The Fishpool Inn is an appealing 18th-century inn that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle.
The interior is warm and inviting, but the outdoor terrace looking out over the forest is the star of the show. There’s the hearty fare you’d expect from a country pub, a strong selection of real ales from local Cheshire breweries, and if you need something sharable and snackable, try stone-baked pizza fresh from their oven.
The Chester Fields Country Pub & Restaurant
Let’s move further out into the Cheshire countryside near Bridge Trafford, to The Chester Fields. You might do a double-take at their quirky and cool spin on a beer garden – private Austrian-style ski huts. They make a relaxing location for a drink regardless of the temperature in unpredictable British climes.
Expansive grounds also include an outdoor pizza kitchen and – to the delight and curiosity of the little ones – a resident herd of alpacas roaming nearby. For an alternative to their ice-cold beers, why not opt for the authentic Austrian Schnapps and embrace the Alps?
Ring O’Bells
If you confine yourself to Chester city centre, you might miss out on Ring O’Bells, which is situated in Christleton.
Along with a wide range of cask ales, the food at Ring O’Bells is regularly praised; with popular pub food and homemade bar snacks. The beer garden is large, and there’s a children’s play area, so if you are a big group – especially if your party includes kids – Ring O’Bells makes a great alternative to the middle of Chester for an alfresco tipple. ‘Dining huts’ are a plan B if the weather turns, and customers love the attentive service provided by the friendly staff.
That’s the wrap on our mini guide to Chester’s lesser-known beer gardens. Remember, what can initially seem like a detour might turn out to be an unforgettable discovery.