The Union Vaults, Chester

The Union Vaults is an L-shaped backstreet locals boozer that had some very loud music playing off the jukebox during a recent Monday evening visit. An L-shaped serving counter runs across the rear facing a bagatelle table along the font wall. To the left is some raised split-level seating for those who don’t want to sit at the bar with the middle aged locals who were grumbling about one of their number who had imbibed enough to be very loud and irritating as he danced around the pub. The draught is limited, but they’ve still managed to present standard premium and craft options, but only one of the three hand pumps was in use drawing TT Landlord. I didn’t feel unwelcome, but I think I’ll leave this place to the locals in future.

this is indeed a lively chatty pub but it’s probably best left to the locals. Had to wait 10 minutes for the worldweary landlord in here to churn out my pint of vinegar IPA. The other handpumps were off so I just left it and moved on. a long pub that stretches down the street and traditionally decorated. I like this kind of pub but I probably wouldn’t return unless i lived locally.

In this back street local it is hard to believe you are in central Chester and less than 50 yards from the busy tourist canal area. The corner entrance leads to a small bar room with a bagatelle table (billiards type as opposed to spring fired ball type!). There is also a larger lounge room. Only London Pride was on sale from the three handpumps but it was on decent form.

Back street local not far from the train station. Basically a 2 roomed pub with a raised area to the rear. At the side of the entrance is a bagatelle table. A couple of real ales were on on my visit and though they weren't great the lively banter during my visit made up for it. Its a thin pub and a friendly one. I liked it.