About This Pub
Ah, Watergates Bar in Chester is one of those places that just sticks with you, isn't it? Tucked away in what they say is England's oldest medieval crypt, it's got this incredible historic feel that makes you want to linger a while, all while offering a lively, modern twist that's just right for a casual evening. From what I've gathered from folks who've been, the service is genuinely warm and attentive, making you feel like a regular from the get-go. The food's another highlight – think hearty options that cater to everyone, whether you're after a bang-on vegan burger or some scrumptious pulled pork croquettes; it's all served up in a way that feels spot on for a pub meal. And if you're into your sports, it's brilliant for watching the big games with that electric crowd energy. On the flip side, though, there are a couple of niggles; some have noted that dishes aren't always presented as neatly as they'd like, which might leave you fiddling a bit before tucking in. Plus, it can get a tad crowded on event nights, so planning ahead is probably a smart move. All in all, it's a solid choice for a good time in Chester – the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I'd say it's well worth a visit for anyone looking for that perfect blend of history, good craic, and decent nosh.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historic 12th-century building gives it such a unique and atmospheric vibe, making every visit feel like a step back in time while still being cosy and welcoming.
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Friendly service that really makes you feel at home, with staff going out of their way to ensure everyone's enjoying themselves.
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A solid selection of food that's spot on for all tastes, from delicious vegan burgers to tasty pulled pork croquettes – it's all about good, honest grub at a fair price.
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Brilliant for catching live sports like footy or rugby on the big screen, creating that lively buzz that's perfect for a night out with mates.
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It's family and dog-friendly, plus they've got handy facilities like WiFi, so it's versatile whether you're popping in for a quick pint or a relaxed meal.
Cons
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There have been a few mentions of food not always being presented perfectly, like with a steak sandwich that needed a bit of rearranging – nothing major, but it could do with a touch more attention.
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It might get quite busy during big events or match days, so you could end up waiting a bit for a table if you haven't booked ahead.
Contact Information
11 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LE
+441244320515
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Staying in Chester for weekend, chose this pub for its unique building, certainly impressive and different, Only had a few beers while watching the live football, but food looked great, If in Chester well worth a visit, nothing not to love.
Watergates Bar is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, the drinks are top-notch, and the service is consistently excellent. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pint or spending the evening with friends, it never disappoints. A must-visit spot!
I had a delightful dining experience. I tried the vegan burger and it was pretty worth the quantity as well as quality for such a price. The restaurant had a pretty good ambience too!
Stopped for a short drink and snack. Service was very friendly. The place also looks super cool, it's underground with stone pillars and bigger than expected. I ordered the pulled pork croquettes and they were delicious!
All in all, would recommend.
Arrived in Chester for an event in the evening. We had travelled for a few hours and were hungry so after a short stroll came across this bar and thought this looks good. I ordered the steak sandwich which sounded nice. When it arrived, I obviously had a look inside, rearranged the steak as majority of it was on one side same as the crispy onions. I thought the bread felt dry but ate the half I had in my hand. Picked up the second half and noticed I had a piece of bread that was near the end of a loaf as the crust was hard, dry and most definitely not fresh farmhouse. The atmosphere was dead, I could hear the full conversation from the women a few tables down, no one came to check on us to make sure everything was ok, the mayo got dumped down by the member of staff and that was it. When we had finished we sat for 10 minutes with our empty plates as the bar staff gathered round the bar chatting. I was going to share my thoughts on the bread situation but then decided it would be pointless as there was no customer care. We walked through the bar to leave, no thank you from staff, no goodbye, they just carried on with their conversation. There was literally about 3 occupied tables in the whole place so not exactly rushed of their feet and the unoccupied table next to us had empty glasses on it during our hour there.We then went to be at one bar, excellent service and very welcoming and worth paying the extra on drinks. Overall thoughts, overpriced, lack of customer service and below average
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