Telford’s Warehouse

Address: Tower Wharf, Raymond Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4EZ
Telephone: 01244 390090

Large and popular pub on the north west corner of the old city of Chester.

Although the pub sits on Raymond Street the actual entrance is down a small passage to the rear. It’s only when you get behind the pub you see that that the pub is an old warehouse that actually straddles part of the Shropshire Union canal basin. This design of warehouse allowed boats to be unloaded in the dry and the original crane still sits within the centre of the pub.

Telford’s warehouse has three distinct rooms. The main room, the first you enter is the largest and contains the bar against the far wall (above the canal). To the left of the bar is a lower room with a stage of the various musical events that take place – including regular gigs and salsa classes. Follow the stairs at from the main room and there is a large dining area above.

Apart from the aforementioned crane the pub contains a few historical artefacts, but the striking feature is the enormous picture window that looks north over the canal basin and the Shropshire Union Canal disappearing into the distance towards Ellesmere Port. Not surprisingly the seats at the tables by this window get taken pretty quickly.

There are five hand pumps on the bar selling a changing selection of mainly local real ales. All the beers I had here tasted fabulous and staff are quite happy to let you try them out. My favourite choice from my recent visit was the wonderfully hoppy and floral Abbeydale Deception.

Food is available from a varied menu and although a touch pricey the food is very good. I especially enjoyed the haddock and chips – great taste and good portions.

Be aware that on musical nights you may have to pay to get into the pub – there is a list of gigs chalked up on the wall.

In my view this is the best pub in Chester and I’d always want to go back here. The spectacular Northgate Street Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal is just across the road and that is certainly worth seeing.

• Telford’s warehouse has a website

Last visited: December 2012

Good Beer, Good Pubs rating:

Other Pubs in the Chester Area

• Albion Inn
• Mill Hotel Real Ale Bar
• Oddfellows Arms
• Old Custom House Inn
• Old Harkers Arms
• Waiting Room at The Queen Hotel

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