About This Pub
Ah, The Ship Inn – what a lovely little find in Chester! I have to say, it's one of those places that just warms you up from the inside out, with its steeped-in-history setting and a real emphasis on quality. The food is a real highlight; think tasty home-cooked options like thin-based pizzas that are spot on, or those Sunday roasts that leave you feeling properly satisfied – it's all about that hearty, comforting vibe without any fuss. The team there are absolute stars too, always on hand with a smile and quick to sort out any little requests, whether you're after a quiet corner or a spot near the bar. It's got such a versatile feel, with cosy areas for a relaxed chat over a local ale and more spacious spots for groups, making it great for all sorts of get-togethers. On the flip side, it does tend to fill up quickly, so popping in on a whim might not always work out, and if you're expecting a no-frills traditional pub, it leans a bit more towards the restaurant side of things. All in all, though, it's a cracking choice for anyone wanting a solid meal and a good natter in a welcoming environment – I'd definitely recommend giving it a go when you're next in the area.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely delicious and home-cooked, with standout dishes like pepperoni pizza, hearty Sunday roasts, and indulgent desserts that really hit the spot.
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Service is top-notch – the staff are so welcoming and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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It has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere with cosy nooks, airy dining spaces, and even a private room for special occasions, perfect for everything from a quick pint to a family meal.
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The location is spot on, just a short stroll over the Old Dee Bridge from Chester's city walls, making it ideal for a pit stop after exploring.
Cons
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It can get quite busy, especially on popular days, so you'll want to book ahead to snag a table and avoid any disappointment.
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As it's more of a restaurant-pub hybrid with a focus on quality meals, it might not feel like your typical traditional pub if you're after something really rustic and basic.
Contact Information
18 Handbridge, Chester CH4 7JE
+441244678400
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
Monday (Today) | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Tuesday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Went here for lunch with my mum today, I had the pepperoni pizza which was delicious and had a perfect thin base. I also cheekily had salted caramel tart for dessert which was to die for. I’d score it 10/10 overall and the service was excellent, shoutout to the man who served us, he was very helpful and made sure everything was good with our food.
What a superb place. We ate here on June 7th 2025 for our 39th wedding anniversary and everything was great. Fab food, excellent service & a lovely atmosphere. We will definitely be back when we visit Chester again. Don’t be misled by the name because this is not a typical old pub. It is like a rustic contemporary environment. We ate elsewhere whilst in Chester for three days but without doubt this was the best. Oh did I say how good the service was?
First time visiting. Went on a Monday night as currently they have 50% off on meals on Mondays. Lovely, welcoming & attentive staff and a nice ambience. Food was good too. Hope to be back, next time we visit Chester.
Nice pub just beside the river in Chester, just came in for a drink. Good real ale, staff nice and pub well laid out. Food I’ve seen being served looks lovely
Lovely welcome from staff. Sat in the sunny large room upstairs overlooking the park for a great roast beef Sunday lunch. Great menu with lovely choice of desserts
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