Despite being one of the UK's smaller cities, Chester’s rich history and culture attract thousands of visitors each year. Easy to reach by train from major destinations such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, it's a great place to spend the weekend or enjoy a night out.
The city’s racecourse and world-leading zoo are popular attractions for many tourists. However, visitors may not be aware of the bustling Chester nightlife.
With plenty of quality restaurants, trendy live music venues and bars in Chester to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to indulge in good food and drink with friends.
So, whether you’re planning a work night out, a romantic weekend away or a celebration with friends, here are some of the best bars in Chester city centre to visit.
1. Prohibition
If you're on the hunt for hidden gems then you can’t get much better than Prohibition, the best secret bar Chester has to offer. Step through the discreet entrance off of Watergate St and you'll be transported back into the prohibition era of 1920s America.
With live jazz and blues acts regularly performing, the glamorous surroundings, low lighting and menus hidden in vintage books make it a fantastic place to escape and enjoy an alternative nightlife experience.
Open from 5pm to 2am on Fridays, 3pm to 2am on Saturdays and 5pm to 12am the rest of the week, Prohibition is a great spot to finish off a late date night or celebrate a midweek win at work.
Sip on a classic cocktail like a Negroni or Martini, or enjoy an alternative aperitif such as a Corpse Reviver, Giggle Juice or Lipstick Long. As the house rules say, this is the number one place in Chester to speakeasy.
- Location: 66 Watergate Street, Chester
- Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am, Saturday, 3pm to 2am, Sunday 5pm to 12am
2. Liquor and Co.
If you’re looking for a nice bar, Chester has plenty. However, Liquor and Co. offers something special.
This bar prides itself on being part of Chester's neighbourhood of independent food and drink venues. Sister to the nearby Craft & Company bar, this 'drinking den' is perfect for all types of get-togethers.
It’s cool and classy interior coupled with its local values make this spot one of the best cocktail bars Chester has to offer. But if cocktails aren’t your thing don’t worry, quality wines, craft beers, and good coffee are also served here.
Book a table for a Saturday night out with friends or turn up and enjoy a Champagne Friday with your other half. Looking for a more hands-on experience? You can also book Cocktail Masterclasses to learn how to make your favourite drink.
- Location: 31 Watergate Row South, Chester
- Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to 1am, Thursday, 5pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday, 3pm to 3am, Sunday, 3pm to 1am
3. That Beer Place
For fans of real ales or craft beer, That Beer Place is one of the best independent bars in Chester.
Based in the historic Chester Market, this bottle shop turns into a taproom and bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. With a rotating selection of IPAs, ales and pilsners on tap and with more than 350 bottles and cans from across the world, it truly is a beer lover's heaven.
A good selection of ciders and some soft drinks are also available to enjoy in this small but perfectly formed venue. Ideal for smaller groups, couples or families, That Beer Place prides itself on being a welcoming, casual venue to enjoy a selection of the world's tastiest beers.
There’s even a selection of board games and card games to play for free and, as a dog-friendly bar in Chester, you can also bring your furry friend along!
- Location: 116 Foregate St. Chester
- Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm, Sunday, 12pm to 10pm
4. Barlounge
Having been in the city for over two decades, Barlounge is one of Chester's most popular nightlife destinations. With stylish indoor and outdoor seating, this cocktail lounge and wine bar serve delicious food and drink in a classy setting.
Open seven days a week from midday to midnight, it's an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and appetisers or book for a tasty after-work meal and drinks.
With cocktails split into categories such as When In Rome, Experimental and Greatest Hits, there's something for everyone at this warm and welcoming spot.
Serving the best of British all year round, it's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with colleagues, friends or family.
- Location: 75 Watergate Street, Chester
- Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am
5. The Love Shack
If you’re looking for great drinks paired with hip-hop and R’n’B sounds, The Love Shack is one of the best bars in Chester. Its fun, tiki beach-themed interior coupled with a great selection of cocktails and food transport you to a tropical paradise as soon as you arrive.
With Caribbean-influenced decor and food, visitors can enjoy a beach-hut style bar, tasty wings and tropical cocktails inspired by their favourite 90’s artists. Hip-hop and R’n’B enthusiasts can sip on a ‘Gangsta's Paradise’ or an ‘Apricot Ice-T’ whilst reminiscing about all things 90s.
Also available for group bookings, The Love Shack is open every evening of the week, even on bank holidays, making it perfect for an event or a casual night out with friends.
- Location: 14 Cuppin Street, Chester
- Opening Times: Monday, 12am to 12pm and 4pm to 12am, Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm to 12am, Friday, 4pm to 1am, Saturday, 2pm to 1am, Sunday, 2pm to 1am
Enjoy a night out in Chester
Chester can be reached in just over two hours from London Euston, with some off-peak tickets costing less than £60 and trains departing at least once an hour.
When in Chester, you can easily get a taxi to a nearby hotel or take a 20-minute walk to Watergate Street, the centre of many of the city's bars and clubs.
Whether you're travelling from one of the UK's major cities or elsewhere, you can book train tickets with Avanti West Coast and arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the best restaurants, clubs, and bars in Chester.
