The Deva Tap, Chester

I remember this place being called Kash the last time I visited in 2013. Convenient for Chester railway station (especially if your train is delayed), it is long and narrow place split into different sections. I sat at a table next to the bar which is at the far end from the main entrance. Toilets are upstairs. Ossett White Rat is the regular ale. Guests on my Sunday evening visit were Hafod Sunrise & Stonehouse Shifting Sands. Ciders were from Rosie's - Triple D & Wicked Wasp. Craft options were Polly's Rosebud, SALT Huckaback & Magic Rock Salty Kiss.

Nice pub a short walk from the railway station. Various ales and seating areas

A very pleasant pub a bit out of town. Specialising in half priced pizza on our Wednesday evening visit, which means it was pretty busy. Lots a refectory type tables for seating amongst a few tables and chairs. Four handpumps, but only Jaipur actually available as the barman said they'd had a really busy weekend and the beer in the cellar was still settling. Despite it being Hobsons choice it was in good nick. Personally I'd happily walk out here again as the excellent Old Cottage is nearby.

Re-visited on a recent Saturday evening, and was pleased to find the Deva Tap busier than it had been on my afternoon visit a couple of years back. Four cask ales available but unfortunately only one was of interest - this being Variation on a Theme by Rooster's. This was fine but nothing to get too excited about. Several keg options available including ciders and craft keg, though nothing strong. We had time to stay for a second drink before the train and as nothing else on cask was grabbing my attention went for Floret by Polly's on keg, which was rather nice. A reasonably decent option if you have time to spare before catching a train, but otherwise I don't think I would find myself going out of my way to make a return visit.

Facebook page of The Deva Tap - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Deva Tap - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Deva Tap - www.thedevatap.co.uk

Official site of The Deva Tap - www.thedevatap.co.uk

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