One of two of our light and spacious function rooms.
1 / 10

Bear & Billet

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A 1664 English inn with Tudor charm, offering real ales, homemade food, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
One of two of our light and spacious function rooms.

Bear & Billet

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1664 English inn with Tudor charm, offering real ales, homemade food, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A historic gem offering a cozy retreat with delicious food and a genuinely welcoming vibe for all."

TIP

Book Ahead for Peak Times

To guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods or events, it's recommended to book your table in advance.

Explore the Ale Selection

Discover a wide range of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, with knowledgeable staff to guide your choice.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11PM

Cuisine

Gastropub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1244 311886

Address

94 Lower Bridge St, Chester, CH1 1RU, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Timber-Framed Architecture

Historic Timber-Framed Architecture

Step back in time in a 1664 building with original Tudor charm, offering a cozy and character-filled atmosphere.

Chester's Black-and-white Architecture Tour (Self Guided), Chester, England21/08/24-22/08/24 – ChesterReal Ale Pubs in Chester
Hearty Homemade Pub Fare

Hearty Homemade Pub Fare

Indulge in classic favorites like steak and ale pie and Sunday roasts, prepared with a comforting homemade touch.

Google Review
Dog-Friendly Oasis

Dog-Friendly Oasis

Your furry friends are welcome too, with a warm reception, water bowls, and even homemade dog treats.

TikTokAll The Best Dog Friendly Pubs & Bars in Chester10 dog-friendly Cheshire pubs that'll give your pet a warm welcome+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Oooh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful…! #fire #woodfire #logfire #winterwonderland #weatheroutsideisfrightful #pub #pubdrinks #winter #winterdrinks #wintertime #chester #chesterpubs#bareandbillet
@jennika28_
5 likes • 414 views

Book Ahead for Peak Times

To guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods or events, it's recommended to book your table in advance.

Explore the Ale Selection

Discover a wide range of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, with knowledgeable staff to guide your choice.

The Bear FX- Chester #carmenchristopher#funny#comedyvideo#cooking#tvshow#thebearfx#thebear#fx
@carmenchristopher
464 likes • 13.4K views

Bring Your Pooch Along

This pub warmly welcomes dogs, providing water bowls and sometimes even homemade treats for your canine companions.

Off-Peak Visits Recommended

Consider visiting during less busy hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed dining or drinking experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead for Peak Times

To guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods or events, it's recommended to book your table in advance.

Explore the Ale Selection

Discover a wide range of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, with knowledgeable staff to guide your choice.

Bring Your Pooch Along

This pub warmly welcomes dogs, providing water bowls and sometimes even homemade treats for your canine companions.

Off-Peak Visits Recommended

Consider visiting during less busy hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed dining or drinking experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bear & Billet is celebrated for its historic ambiance and friendly atmosphere, with many visitors praising the traditional pub fare and welcoming staff. It's a highly dog-friendly establishment, making it a top choice for pet owners. However, some recent reviews mention a decline in service quality and inconsistent kitchen hours, leading to disappointment for some long-time patrons.

"A Perfect Start to Our Chester Experience

This was the first pub we visited in Chester, and it set the tone for a fantastic trip. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we absolutely loved how it looked—charming, cozy, and full of character. The barman was incredibly friendly, making us feel welcome from the start. The overall experience was great, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin our time in Chester. Highly recommend!"

Whitney M

"What a lovely, historic pub that’s as interesting inside as on the outside.
The Bear and Billet has a great selection of craft beers on offer and bar staff that clearly know their beers.
The two barmen on during this afternoons visit were super friendly and helpful and brought my wife’s tea to our table on the first floor, to save us waiting.
Food was dropped off to tables adjacent to us and looked great, so we’ll be ordering a meal on our next visit."

Christopher Lewis

"Hark! Attend, ye merry folk, for I shall regale thee with the most outlandish of tales from mine visit to the Bear & Billet Pub in yon Chester! 'Twas an evening rife with absurdity and mirth!

Upon mine entry, I beheld a sight most peculiar—a bear, clad in a doublet and hose, didst greet me at the door! 'Twas no mere mortal, but a bear, I say! Verily, I was so taken aback that I nearly tripped o'er mine own feet.

Within the pub, the decor was a hodgepodge of the fantastical and the nonsensical. Methinks I spotted a talking parrot reciting lines from Shakespeare, whilst a chicken played the lute with its beak. Such sights didst boggle mine mind and tickle mine fancy.

I didst order a tankard of ale, only to be served by a jester who insisted on juggling mine drink before handing it to me. 'Twas a miracle that not a drop was spilled, and I drank heartily, with much bemusement.

The patrons were a jolly lot, engaging in the most nonsensical of games. I didst partake in a contest of who could balance the most spoons upon their nose, and verily, I was bested by a chap who claimed to be a wizard.

As the night wore on, the revelry grew ever more absurd. A sheep, dressed in knight's armor, didst challenge me to a duel of wits. I graciously declined, for how could I best such a valiant creature?

In conclusion, the Bear & Billet is a place of whimsy and wonder, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where one might encounter the most peculiar of sights. I shall return anon, for 'tis a most delightful abode of absurdity and mirth."

Iceman

What People Like

Historic and cozy atmosphere
Friendly and welcoming staff
Dog-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Inconsistent kitchen hours
Perceived decline in vibe

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Bear & Billet is very dog-friendly and provides water bowls and sometimes homemade treats for your pets.

All The Best Dog Friendly Pubs & Bars in Chester10 dog-friendly Cheshire pubs that'll give your pet a warm welcomeDog Friendly Pubs in Chester

The pub is housed in a historic timber-framed building dating back to 1664, originally serving as the town residence for the Earls of Shrewsbury.

Chester's Black-and-white Architecture Tour (Self Guided), Chester, England21/08/24-22/08/24 – ChesterReal Ale Pubs in Chester+1

It's advisable to book ahead, especially during peak times or for events, to ensure you secure a table.

Best Places for Students to Eat in ChesterGoogle Review

Popular choices include the homemade steak and ale pie and Sunday roasts, known for their hearty flavors and generous portions.

Dog Friendly Pubs in ChesterGoogle Review

Yes, the pub has multiple TVs where sports games are shown, making it a good spot for fans.

They offer a wide range of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, including European and local options.

Chester: the highlights - Why visit Chester for your weekend away

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, such as the vegan slice of vegetarian nut roast.

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The Bear and Billet, a historic public house on Lower Bridge Street in Chester, is a quintessential example of 17th-century timber-framed architecture. Recognized as a Grade I listed building, it holds the distinction of being one of the finest and last remaining timber-framed townhouses in England, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance. Constructed in 1664, the building originally served as the town residence for the Earls of Shrewsbury, who oversaw the nearby Bridgegate.

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Nestled within the city walls in a charming 17th-century building, Bear & Billet is a well-loved pub renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty food. With a generous 20% student discount on food and drinks, it’s a fantastic spot for a casual meal or a pint with friends. The menu features a mix of traditional British dishes and modern pub favourites.📍 94 Lower Bridge St, Chester, CH1 1RU

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If you are on Lower Bridge Street, then the Bear & Billet will stand out from a mile off due to the fact that its inside a traditional Tudor style building. This pub building dates back to 1664 and now serves delicious food and an exquisite range of alcohol for you to try out. It’s rumoured that there are still ghosts linked to the buildings past so keep an eye out during your visit!

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My second visit yesterday took me across the road to Bear and Billet, an impressive Grade I listed timber-framed structure from the 17th century, established in 1664. This was originally the home of the Earls of Shrewsbury. The interior exudes a cosy atmosphere, featuring exposed wooden beams, wooden flooring, and tables.

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