The Deva Tap, Chester

Despite the name there are no Deva beers here now and it’s operating as a general craft beer good beer pub. It’s a quirky and quite striking building to look at, though the interior doesn’t in any way match up being a long and narrow knock-through, the ghost of the original three rooms are still there and the bar is situated at the far end. Felt that this layout detracts from the atmosphere as the seating closer to the entrance (and farthest from said bar) lack atmosphere and warmth, with the vaulted ceiling and flagstone/tile floors making for harsh acoustics. Four ales on the go, 3x Blackjack and one from Salopian, alongside an eclectic craft keg selection (including White Hag). I went for a Blackjack Stout which was in pretty good shape (NBSS 3.5) and a keg White Hag. I struggled to warm to this one really, but you’ll want to tick it off nonetheless. 6.5

Visited last Friday lunchtime. The place was dead but it is a bit out of the centre being nearer the train station. There are five hand pulls at the bar, one of which was off when I visited. In addition there are 11 keg options and three ciders listed on the board. I had the Devil's Bed Post by Blackjack at £2 for a half. It was pulled through before being served, which was good to observe. Inside there is a stone floor, grey paintwork, nice chilled out music playing, and it felt relaxed despite me being the only customer in. Food is served - burgers, pizza, chicken, sandwiches etc. The chef was singing loudly in the background to different music, which I found amusing.

I didn’t notice any ‘Deva beers’ to be honest, they certainly weren’t on any of the handpumps. Anyway, as modern style beer bars go, this is a nice one. Friendly and unpretentious though the food looks expensive for ‘bar bites’. Outdoor seating very pleasant on a sunny April afternoon.

Beers now from Deva Brewery, which presumably goes with the change of name. Building and bar as previously described. Fairly quiet on a Wednesday race day evening. No longer does a CAMRA discount. They explained that they didn't want to load the prices to make it viable. Which suggests it wasn't a discount anyway but at least they are honest about it. I had a 4% Deva beer for £3.10.