The Lock Keeper, Chester

Hard to disagree with Mr Bs thoughts. Horribly dull with the large open plan interior fairly generic. Fizz-u-likes on the bar and, though pleasant enough, the bar staff always seem to have a vacant look on their faces. If you are going to drink here it's best to sit outside.

frankly it’s awful. A soulless, sparse nightclub like interior (with loud nightclub music to match), expensive crap beer and kids running around the beer garden. two stars for the location only.

The main draw of the Lock Keeper is the large canal-side patio seating area that was busy during my Tuesday afternoon visit. The interior consists of dining areas to the left and right of the entrance and a small bar on the rear wall to the left of some snugs in the right rear corner. There was some low background music playing and the lone plasma screen was off with no signs of Sky Sports. During my visit the only draught available was Carling and cask Cumberland Ale, which I found strange for a Tuesday. The service was friendly and apologetic. I would return here on a sunny day for some al fresco drinking.

Certainly looks the business, with the substantial front patio having a fine canal-side location. However, the various seating / dining areas within the opened-out interior have been refurbished in a light, semi-modern style devoid of character. The real ale offering left almost everything to be desired too, with only Doom Bar (£3.50) available from the pair of handpumps on the counter. Overall, could do a lot better.