The Cellar, Chester

It's more than 10 years since I was here, and I hadn't planned a revisit, my circuit of eight pubs all new to me being deliberately chosen to widen my knowledge of this seldom-visited city. Having added an extra one to recover from my bad beer experience at number seven, I was now in my 10th pub of the day, but as I said in my review below, "I would say this is a must visit". And just like then, my beer here was the best of the day. There were six to choose from (see photos) and I very sensibly went for the 3.4% mild, from Left Handed Giant brewery, and it was a shoo in for NBSS 4. (There was another mild, Kirkstall XXX which is nearly twice the strength, so not sensible at all, and anyway I can get it at the brewery tap next time I'm in Leeds.) I'll be making a point not to miss this pub next time I'm in Chester.

Trendy almost cafe style which was struggling with only one person behind the bar on the run up to Christmas. Was going to try the beer, but it would have beenlong wait! looks ok though

An A-board on the path outside the Cellar boasts of numerous awards so I was expecting a lot, but was disappointed to find the two barmen setting up for a private Monday evening function. My visit was a couple of minutes before the doors closed at 19:00 so I tried my luck asking for a half, which thankfully wasn’t a problem. In fact the barman was extremely friendly. A tile surrounded serving counter runs up the right wall where TT Landlord, Burning Sky’s Inclination, Thornbridge’s Kelham Island East Rider, Brew York’s Micklegate, Brewsmith Beer’s Citra Pale and Rooster’s Baby-Faced Assassin were available on cask. There’s also a premium and craft keg range, but I plumped for Brew York’s mild which was very nutty, but decent. The furniture is a mix of high tables, sofas and tiny little tables with stools that all sit on the bare board floor. Oddly there are five televisions for showing Sky Sports, which is great for football fans like myself, but may turn others off. I liked it in here and will return next time I’m in Chester.

Firstly, it is not a cellar - it is dimly lit bar with flashing fairy lights. Painted white walls, wood cladding, very cacophonous and full of powdered locals at 2pm on Saturday. Chunky wood plank tables and silly small stools to sit on made for an uncomfortable stay. Five ales on with an eclectic selection but we defaulted to the excellent Hawkshead, and the resultant beer was close to perfect condition (NBSS 4.5). Despite the superb beer I struggled to enjoy this one much and I felt much more at home in the sister pub, the Cornerhouse. Maybe I caught it at a bad time.

Official site of The Cellar - www.thecellarchester.co.uk

Official site of The Cellar - www.thecellarchester.co.uk