Watergates, Chester

Down into the depths of an ancient crypt (actually formerly storerooms for the shops above), with old arches and a brick and quarry tile floor. Sadly it’s a Greene King pub serving only their beers over the four pumps, only Abbot was on in spite of a forward facing IPA clip. To be fair there was not much wrong with the Abbot apart from low temperature and dying a slow death in the glass as it warmed, not a lot of hop flavour either of course. A definite ecclesiastical flavour to the decor, at the back it splits into two of the usual for this part of Chester, barrel vaults although there’s another vault to the side of one and there’s another off the main front section opposite the bar - that one leads to the toilets via a seating area and some brick lined passages.

Called in here on Wednesday. 4 handpumps, 2 badged and turned around and 2 unbadged. I asked why there was no real ale on, the barmaid said "We don't sell much of it". Well you won't if you don't have any will you?

Greene King tourist pub similar to their chain in London, and sadly it’s just as dull as you expect despite the character of the interior. full of rowdy types on a Saturday afternoon, it really wasn’t worth bothering with. GK IPA, Speckled Hen and Old Rosie was the very poor selection on the handpumps. There are plenty of interesting independent pubs and bars in Chester, GK don’t need or deserve your custom with lazy offerings like this.

The split-level Watergates Bar has seating by the entrance at street level before some steps that lead down to the long bar that stretches down the left-hand wall. At the rear are a couple curved roof seating areas that I imagine were once full of wine racks and vats. A roof garden is advertised, but I did not visit. In the bar area are a couple of plasma screens that were airing muted Sky Sports News whilst some background music played. I spotted a live music advert for the weekend. One of the four hand pumps supported by the bar was unused. This left Eastwood Ales Eastgate alongside Greene King IPA and Abbot as the cask ale options. Peroni, Amstel and a standard keg range were also available. Pub Co food is available all day until late. I found the service to be friendly and there is a 10% CAMRA discount.

We visited here twice over our Chester visit , once on Thursday evening and again on Friday afternoon , pretty quiet on Thursday evening mostly with people eating , busier on Friday Afternoon where we went on the small sunny roof terrace , the roof terrace has its own bar , open on busier times and for private functions . Four handpulls with two from GK and two locals Cheshire Stout and Brew Brothers Gold which was fine , staff were a friendly bunch , i liked it here its OK