The Union Vaults, Chester

An ablolute gorgeous pint of Everards Tiger! I wish I'd discovered this pub earlier.

This is a proper traditional back street local, split level, with a bit of a plusher lounge at the upper end. The busy bar area has a bagatelle table, and a centre room has a dartboard. Blokes playing cards, others loudly cheering on their bets watching the racing on TV. It's rather how I remember pubs from 25 years or so back. Decor includes framed prints of old Chester, and bottles, jars and pots on high picture rail shelves. Traditional seating at banquettes, stools and chairs at small tables. Three handpumps, Everards Tiger (£3.00), Hop Back Spring Zing plus Weston's Cider. I didn't see any indications that food other than the usual snacks is offered but I could be wrong. Outdoor seating/smoking area down some steps to the rear. A flying visit but I did enjoy my time here, a good option for a pre-train pint.

I wasn't aware of this pub until it earned an entry in the Good Beer Guide, so I had to go and try it. It's a back street locals pub with a couple of guest beers on. The pint I had was in very good nick. It was a Saturday lunchtime and a whole bunch of locals were playing the unusual bagatelle game and enjoying a whole load of banter as well. A proper local, I'll call back again.

This is a corner terrace pub, with a yellow exterior and red paintwork. The interior is traditional and in three areas rather than rooms. The bar has Sky TV, with the racing on usually and there is darts and bagatelle,the other two areas being loungey types. The decor varies from room to room, so cream (certainly light coloured) walls, or wallpaper and wood panel and there are plenty of old Chester pictures and ornaments around. The far lounge is tidy, the seats looking as though they have been re-covered recently. Service is fine and the clientele local, maturer and plenty of them. Beer, tap stuff with a decent enough Greenall's MILD, with the untried Everard's Tiger and London Pride on handpull. It is a locals place, but friendly enough. Beer choice is a bit disappointing, but it is always worth a visit.