Old Harkers Arms, Chester
1 / 10

The Old Harkers Arms

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming red-brick Victorian warehouse pub on the Shropshire Union Canal, offering an innovative international menu and a cozy atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Old Harkers Arms, Chester

The Old Harkers Arms

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming red-brick Victorian warehouse pub on the Shropshire Union Canal, offering an innovative international menu and a cozy atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience an excellent menu with standout dishes like the scotch egg starter in a cozy setting."

TIP

Book in Advance

It gets busy, especially during horse racing weekends. Booking a table is recommended for peak times.

Canal-side Seating

Enjoy scenic canal views by sitting outside on the terrace when the weather permits.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11PM

Cuisine

Pub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1244 344525

Address

1 Russell St, Chester, CH3 5AL, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canalside Charm and Real Ales

Canalside Charm and Real Ales

Relax by the canal in a historic red-brick warehouse, enjoying real ales and a cozy atmosphere.

Cheshire pubs included in the Good Pub Guide 2022Real Ale Pubs in Chester
Innovative International Menu

Innovative International Menu

Experience an excellent menu with standout dishes, offering both traditional pub fare and international flavors.

Google Review
Hearty Pub Grub

Hearty Pub Grub

Indulge in delicious and well-prepared pub classics, including their famed scotch eggs and rich stews.

Best places to eat in ChesterGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pub breakfast goals at The Old Harkers Arms in Chester 🥓🍳 Some people do yoga in the morning... we go for breakfast. 🧘‍♀️➡️🍳 Priorities. We hit up this Brunning and Price for a full English for him, avo on toast for me, because balance lol. Top-notch grub, lovely canal side seats, and yes, the dog was living her best brunch life. 📍If you’re in the North West (& there’s even some in the South!), Br...
@chesterdiaries
473 likes • 16.1K views

Book in Advance

It gets busy, especially during horse racing weekends. Booking a table is recommended for peak times.

Canal-side Seating

Enjoy scenic canal views by sitting outside on the terrace when the weather permits.

Check Menu Online

Review menu options and prices on their website before your visit to help plan your meal.

Be Aware of Peak Times

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially if not able to book a table.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance

It gets busy, especially during horse racing weekends. Booking a table is recommended for peak times.

Canal-side Seating

Enjoy scenic canal views by sitting outside on the terrace when the weather permits.

Check Menu Online

Review menu options and prices on their website before your visit to help plan your meal.

Be Aware of Peak Times

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially if not able to book a table.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Old Harkers Arms is a highly-regarded pub with a charming canalside location and a cozy, historic interior. Diners praise the excellent menu, quality food, and friendly service, with many returning frequently. However, some find certain items, like wine or specific pies, to be overpriced or not as expected.

"What an amazing pub and restaurant.
The service, beer and food is top notch snd added to the beautiful surroundings, it makes for a brilliant experience.
There’s even table service for beers and our server Owen was attentive and friendly and great at his job, which topped off an enjoyable visit perfectly."

Christopher Lewis

"The food was decent. But I don't recommend the pulled beef croquettes. The atmosphere was lovely, the service was really nice and fast. Just expensive for the amount you get. But honestly lovely experience and would go again."

Connor Townley

"Stunning pub. We booked a table here for dinner and it’s a good job we did because the main part of the pub was heaving. Thankfully, they have a small, quaint area for dining bookings, which is where we were sat. The food was unreal. I had the wild mushroom and tarragon soup for starters. It was packed full of flavour and had a perfect consistency. The black pudding sausage roll looked, and apparently tasted, incredible. The braised shoulder of lamb was cooked beautifully, falling apart with the slightest tug. The gravy was so rich and complimented the lamb well. The veg had a good crunch to it, and the carrots were sweet, which worked well with the gravy. It was my first time trying dauphinoise potatoes and I wasn’t a big fan. Were they unpleasant? No. Were they cooked badly? I don’t think so. I likely just don’t like dauphinoise potatoes. The sticky toffee pudding was nice and didn’t seem to be bought in, as desserts so often are. Service was very friendly throughout, although towards the end, as the main pub got packed, we struggled to get the attention of a waitress as they were occupied with that part of the pub. We can’t wait to go back here and sample whatever is on the menu next time we’re in Chester!"

Jake Lewis

What People Like

Canalside location
Cozy atmosphere
Quality food and real ale

What People Dislike

High wine prices
Portion size concerns
Misleading menu descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's highly recommended, especially during peak times and weekends, as the pub can get very busy. [^M5]

10 Authentically British Places To Eat In Chester, England

It offers a cozy and respectable setting within a historic red-brick Victorian warehouse, with views of the canal. Reddit

Google Review

Yes, there's outside dining available on a large terrace by the canal, perfect for good weather. TikTok

TikTok

Standout dishes include the scotch egg starter, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. Some reviews mention curried lentil pies as a tasty option. Reddit

Google Review

The pub offers a superb selection of well-kept real ales and other drinks. Reddit

Google Review

Absolutely, it's a popular spot for cyclists and towpath users due to its canal-side location. [^M2]

Cheshire pubs included in the Good Pub Guide 2022

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Telegraph

Best places to eat in Chester

I absolutely love Brunning and Price pubs. I think a lot of people up here do. There’s no music, but you’d never notice, because they’ve always got an atmosphere. Great ales, great food - it’s pub grub, but better. I like the pork and chorizo burger with Weetwood Eastgate Ale.". 1 Russell Street, Chester CH3 5AL; 01244 344525; harkersarms.co.uk

Visit Source →
Cheshire Live

Cheshire pubs included in the Good Pub Guide 2022

The Good Beer Guide says: "Right on the Shropshire Union Canal, this red-brick Victorian warehouse ' once run as a chandler's by a certain Mr Harker ' attracts cyclists and other towpath users, but given its central location it also buzzes with city life. The striking industrial interior with its high ceilings is divided into user-friendly spaces by brick pillars and offers fine, unimpeded views of the boats from the tall windows that run the length of the main bar.". Location: Russell Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AL

Visit Source →
Chester Taxi Services

Real Ale Pubs in Chester

According to this pub’s founders, this venue is the epicentre of authentic Chester charm, as evidenced by images of lively guests found on the pub’s website. An epicentre of cask ale varieties, you can sip your suds amid old world interior charm, though hanging about outside puts you in the midst of the social scene. Situated on the canal, Old Harkers makes an ideal stop for anyone in need of a tasty meal following a pint of the best the house has to offer.

Visit Source →
Good Food

Best restaurants in Chester

There’s not much to say about Sticky Walnut that hasn’t already been said by its owner and cult Twitter star Gary Usher. But amid all the entertaining online banter and crowdfunding drives (to launch spin-offs Hispi, Burnt Truffle, Wreckfish and the new Pinion), it’s easy to forget how exceptional this bistro is. Located on the edge of Chester city centre, it’s a model restaurant from its affable staff to its assured, intelligent food.

Visit Source →
Trip101

10 Authentically British Places To Eat In Chester, England

Tucked into a hidden corner of Chester lies the Old Harkers Arms, a high-quality pub with a crowd of dedicated regulars, in fact, you’ll probably need to reserve ahead of time to get a table!. Sitting right next to the canal, you can watch the boats go past as you enjoy your afternoon lunch or evening meal. With such a great location, the prices are a little higher than the average pub, with mains ranging from 11-19 GBP (15-25 USD).

Visit Source →
AllTrails.com

10 Best views trails in Chester

A circular pub walk from the Old Harkers Arms in Chester, Cheshire. The Old Harkers Arms is a proper old city of London boozer, only in Chester, that is set close to the commercial and professional heart of the city. The walking route follows a trail exploring some of the highlights that the city offers the canal towpath, the old city walls, the famous racecourse, the River Dee and several of Chester's beautiful parks.

Visit Source →
Funktion Events | Part of Funktion Leisure

Real Ale Pubs in Chester

Right on the canal sits The Old Harkers Arms, here you will find the authentic Chester charm that you don’t get in many pubs and bars around Chester!. Whether you are after a bite to eat or you want to enjoy some cask ales then this is the place to go, inside you will find an old city vibe. The perfect place to head if you just want to enjoy some food and a good pint, or a place to start the night off.

Visit Source →
Micropub Adventures

21/08/24-22/08/24 – Chester

The next visit involves a brief stroll down a set of steps leading to the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal. At this location, one will find The Old Harkers Arms, a charming public house that has been transformed from a historic Victorian warehouse. The interior features exquisite wooden flooring that contributes to a cosy atmosphere.

Visit Source →
goodbeergoodpubs.co.uk

Chester | Good Beer, Good Pubs

1 Russell Street, Chester, Cheshire CH3 5ALTel: 01244 344525 Popular canalside pub a few hundred yards towards the city centre from the station - look for the Siam Thai restaurant on the canal bridge on City Road and it's underneath. Careful as you go down the steps by the canal though if it's ... Read full review of Old Harkers Arms

Visit Source →
hardens.com

Best British, Modern Restaurants in Cheshire - Reviews & Restaurant Guide

Another characterful pub in the Brunning & Price chain (a red-brick former warehouse with plenty of reclaimed décor including a bar made of old mahogany doors) in an appealing canal-side location between the train station and city centre. It’s a “noisy” and sociable sort of spot and the food is of “good dependable quality”.

Visit Source →
The Guestbooks

Best Bars in Chester

Part of the same chain as The Architect, Old Harkers is situated outside the city centre on the canal side near to the railway station. It is a very attractive traditional pub, extremely popular with locals. The pub is more of a drinking pub than the Architect but still serves delicious food, with an extensive choice.

Visit Source →
tripper.guide

Tripper - Guide - The very best 12 nightlife spots in Chester, United Kingdom

Welcome to The Old Harkers Arms in Chester, where the history of the building is just as murky as the ale on tap. With its exposed brick walls and creaky floors, this pub will transport you straight back to the 17th century. But don't worry, the only ghost you'll encounter is the one at the bottom of your pint glass.

Visit Source →
Wanderlust Marriage Travel

Chester, England: One of the World's Most Beautiful Towns

The Old Harkers Arms was the best pub meal I enjoyed Chester. The canal side upscale pub serves classic British pub fare and delicious dishes that pair great with a crisp draft beer or cask ale. I enjoyed their fish n’ chips, made with deep fried cod in beer batter, served with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce.

Visit Source →
Visit Cheshire

Dog Friendly Pubs in Chester

The Old Harkers Arms is a historic riverside pub, known for its fantastic menu and beautiful views of the River Dee. You and your dog can sit by the water and savour delicious meals and refreshing drinks. The friendly staff are always ready to accommodate your canine companion with water and maybe even a treat!

Visit Source →
Roomzzz Aparthotels

The Best Beer Gardens in Chester

Whether you’re off out for a drink after a day’s grafting in a hot office or you’re looking for a sunny place to be at the weekend, The Old Harkers Arms will not let you down. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and an impressive selection of ales. Where did it all go so right?

Visit Source →
bakerscottage.co.uk

Our go-to restaurants in Chester

brunningandprice.co.uk/harkers | 1 Russell Street, CH3 5AL | Tel: 01244 344 525. The Old Harkers is a sister pub to the another one of our favourites, the Architect. You’ll find it in a converted warehouse on the canal and we love the atmosphere and the food.

Visit Source →
borrowmydoggy.com

Dog friendly places to eat in Chester

Try The Old Harkers Arms, a proper old city London boozer but in the heart of Chester. With an innovative international menu, an outside dining area, and just on the river side you can enjoy the food and views, along with your furry friend.

Visit Source →
Pass the Keys® Book Direct

City Guide: Best Breakfast Spots in Chester

The Old Harkers Arms: Situated near Chester's city walls, The Old Harkers Arms is a traditional pub that serves a hearty breakfast. Indulge in their Full English breakfast or their delicious vegetarian options.

Visit Source →
doggiepubs.org.uk

Doggie Pubs | Find out where you and your best friend are welcome

They welcome well-behaved dogs and are about 10 minutes walk to city centre. Huge, busy one-room bar eatery with a wooden floor. Huge range of real ales, and a vast mouth-watering menu, food served 12-9:30pm.

Visit Source →
squaremeal.co.uk

11 Beer garden Restaurants near Chester Zoo Chester Ch2 1Lh United Kingdom

If you're looking for a special place to enjoy a meal out in Chester, whether it be for a certain occasion, date night or just a good catch up with friends, ...

Visit Source →
Lets Go Chester

Chester Pubs

Visit Source →
casc.camra.org.uk

Pub Guide - Chester & South Clwyd CAMRA

Visit Source →
Chester and District Standard

Chester pubs featured in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2025

Visit Source →