Thanks to lockdown, students all across the country were denied a semester of post-seminar day drinking and hungover Sunday roasts alfresco style. Now that the pubs have finally reopened, it’s officially time for you to catch up on lost time and enjoy some socially distanced drinks in the sun. With the new academic year just around the corner, we’ve rounded up Chester’s top six beer gardens to add to your bucket list for when you return to the city.
Popcorn Bar
This botanical-themed bar, on the corner of St. Johns Street, has been keeping our beer cravings at bay over the lockdown period with its innovative takeaway drinks service. Opening in March 2018, Popcorn is one of Chester’s newest bars, but it’s cheap pints and rodeo nights have made it an instant hit. With a plethora of foliage, picnic benches and a cosy fire pit, Popcorn definitely wins the award for Chester’s most Instagram-worthy beer garden!
Telford’s Warehouse
You can’t say that you’re a Chester student until you’ve had a pint at Telford’s Warehouse (we don’t make the rules!). Just a short 10-minute walk from Parkgate Road Campus, Telford’s is renowned for its cask ales and weekly music and arts nights. The pub’s outdoor seating area is set up along the canal, so you can watch the canal boats pass by as you enjoy one of Telford’s famous burgers.
Commonhall St. Social
Known for its reasonably priced menu and impressive selection of draft beers, Commonhall St. Social is one of Chester’s best-kept secrets. The outdoor terrace area, though small, is a total sun trap and kitted out with heaters to keep you warm when the sun eventually does go in. If you are looking for a chilled pint in the sun, Commonhall is the place for you (although if you ask the bartender for a pink gin and lemonade, you will be politely shown the door… don’t say we didn’t warn you!).
The Architect
Can you honestly think of anything better than drinking an Old Mout cider overlooking the racecourse on a hot summer’s day? With of the largest beer gardens in Chester, The Architect is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet pint whilst safely observing social distancing measures. The garden also features an iconic tractor that you will inevitably post on your Instagram story after your third pint…
Hickories Smokehouse
The American smokehouse sports bar has a stunning tiered terrace area that is kitted out with heaters, blankets and an extendable roof for when the weather turns south. From frozen slushies to cotton candy cocktails, Hickories has a variety of seasonal drinks to get you in the summer mood. The restaurant is located on the bank of the River Dee opposite the boat hire, but we highly recommend that you hire a pedalo BEFORE you take that first sip of beer- please do not drink and pedal!
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is another riverside favourite. Owned by a family brewery, the pub has plenty of outdoor seating, including quirky seaside huts and more traditional table and chairs, for you to safely socially distance. The Boathouse serves a wide range of reasonably priced food and drink, so why not grab a pie and a pint overlooking the beautiful river Dee.
Are any of your favourite beer gardens featured in our top six? Make sure to follow us over on our social media channels and let us know in the comments if you think there is another beer garden more deserving of a place on our top six!
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