Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 14th June 2026) with Mobyduck
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Butchers Arms, Chester Le Street
Chester Le Street
DH3 3QD
Pub Type
Leased (Marstons)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Old Boots left this review about Butchers Arms
A Good Beer Guide listed pub a few steps from the main street up a narrow road called Middle Chare in the best north eastern way. An old stone building, the interior is a traditional style perhaps not original though. It’s a flattened U shape with a similar shape to the counter. One side is a little raised and forms a small snug, the rest is level and is a cosy sort of lounge bar with banquettes at cast iron based tables with stools and chairs on the outside. The right end had a screen but I don’t know if that’s permanent; there is a small raised area here too and both raised areas access a rear corridor with the facilities. The angled corners of the counter have four pulls at one end and two at the other, Bass had just run off leaving two from Theakstons including Old Peculier, and Bradfield Farmers Blonde on the left end. The far end had Hobgoblin Gold and Wainwright but presumably the cask versions as the pub is GBG listed. Two trio T-bars and a cider treble provide for keg drinkers. Piped music at mixed levels but not too objectionable. The plate racks have plates and also old bottles, Bells whisky bells and whisky jugs, it’s teapots on another shelf over the counter. Old photos, mirrors and the aforementioned ceramics form the decor. I liked this one it’s a decent enough pub maybe the best of a dodgy lot.
On 18th June 2026
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4107 recommendations about 3768 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
custodian 42 left this review about Butchers Arms
Two entrances to a smallish room with the bar in the middle. Directors went off when I asked for it, so had to settle for Thatchers cider. Probably the best pub in the town.
On 14th January 2020
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Butchers Arms
From the street, this certainly looks the pick of the town-centre pubs, and appearances thankfully don't deceive. The staple-shaped bar is thoroughly traditional throughout in a very pleasing way, although there is also a slightly more modern area up a few steps in the left-hand corner. Plenty of real ales on offer too, although from the Marston's and Charles Wells lists, but my pint of Banks's Sunbeam (£3.50) was in tip-top form so you can see why this is a Good Beer Guide stalwart.
On 25th August 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 9166 recommendations about 9166 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Aqualung . left this review about Butchers Arms
This is a Marstons pub consisting of a small wide room with the bar along the rear and two areas either side. It's carpeted throughout with lots of wood used. It wasn't that busy at around midday on a Friday but people soon started drifting in, some of them having obviously got wise to the enormous plates of home cooked food that were being served up. I saw no sign of any TV screens.
There are seven hand pumps with beers from five of their breweries. These were Pedigree, Wychwood Brakspear Oxford Gold & Hobgoblin Gold, Jennings Cumberland & Snecklifter, Banks's Sunbeam and Ringwood Fortyniner. I went for the Snecklifter which was three pound something (less than £3.50).
It's a shame they don't do one or two local beers but it's a good pub that I'd love to come to for a Sunday roast.
It's GBG 2018 listed.
On 3rd December 2017
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2143 recommendations about 2143 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Butchers Arms
A Marston's house, with a choice of seven ales on handpump. The pub interior is traditional in style and has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The interior consists of a horseshoe shaped lounge and bar. There is a collection of porcelain plates of various sizes and designs, displayed on shelves around the walls. The upholstered bench seating along the outer walls, had a collection of decorative cushions scattered around. The bar area was original dark mahogany and the pub was carpeted throughout. I went for the Jennings Cocker Hoop, which was in good shape and prices in here were reasonable.
On 9th July 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3747 recommendations about 3747 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alexander Kapp left this review about The Butchers Arms
Nice friendly pub with good beer
On 17th September 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 19 recommendations about 19 pubs]