10 Authentically British Places To Eat In Chester, England

places to eat in chester uk
Alice
Alice 
Updated
| 5 min read

As one of the oldest cities in England, Chester has a wide selection of traditional and authentic English pubs and tea rooms! Famous for their dainty afternoon tea, tea rooms usually feature a three-tiered stand of little cakes and sandwiches, and, of course, tea. In terms of pubs, some of the places on this list can be found in ancient, historic buildings, such as the Brewery Tap and others are famous and have won many dining competitions, such as the Chef’s Table.

Whether you’re looking to blow your money or spend wisely, you’ll find both ends of the spectrum in Chester! And if you want to make sure you see (and eat) a bit of everything, check out this list of 10 authentically British places to eat in Chester, UK.

1. Cheshire Sandwich Company

Fluffy Duck Roast Beef Sandwich
Source: Photo by user cassaendra used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Cheshire Sandwich Company is situated right in the centre of town and although England is known to love its cafe’s and coffee houses, the Cheshire Sandwich Company is one of the best places to go for afternoon tea! With a great selection of handcrafted sandwiches, many reviewers say they have the tastiest sandwiches they have ever eaten. Another reviewer said that you could really tell that the staff really cared about their business and they go out of their way to make sure you had the best time, and meal, possible!

If you’re not looking to stretch the budget, you’ll be happy to know that all items on their menu are under 5 GBP (7 USD), including their range of teas, coffees and desserts!

Cheshire Sandwich Company

Address: 5 Godstall Ln, Chester CH1 1LN

Phone: +44 1244 347339

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: Closed

Website: Cheshire Sandwich Company

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2. The Chef's Table

Chef's Table restaurant, Iowa City
Source: Photo by user Alan Light used under CC BY 2.0

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Chef’s Table, called Chester’s “best kept secret” by reviewers and “hands down the best restaurant in Chester”. You’ll be surprised to learn its tucked away on one of Chester’s quiet, almost hidden, lanes. Many say that the food is exceptional and the staff very attentive and knowledgeable. No tiny portions for a big price, here. Instead, you get what you pay for at the Chef’s Table.

If you’re looking to spend more on a fine dining experience and be adventurous with new and intricate meals, the Chef’s Table will not disappoint! For dinner, they go by a set menu, with appetisers for only 3.50 GBP (4.50 USD) and mains ranging from 15 GBP (19 USD) to 25 GBP (32 USD).

The Chef's Table

Address: 4 Music Hall Passage, Chester CH1 2EU

Phone: +44 1244 403040

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat: 12-2:30pm 6-9pm, Sun: 12-3pm, Mon: 6-9pm

Website: The Chef’s Table

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3. Sticky Walnut

Dinner is served. Lamp chops yummy
Source: Photo by user David Long used under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes you can just tell that a restaurant is unique and, as one reviewer put it, “out of this world”, just by its name. Sticky Walnut is one of my absolute favourites on this list and with its quirky name and lively atmosphere, it never fails to impress, as soon as you step through the door.

With a menu that is constantly updated to match the seasons, you’ll always find something new and different at this restaurant, with many reviewers saying that they loved how well they used all the different ingredients! Sticky Walnut will also not break the bank, as you can get two courses for 16 GBP (20 USD) on the dinner menu, with reduced prices on their ‘Early Bird’ menu, as well!

Sticky Walnut

Address: 11 Charles Street, Chester CH2 3AZ

Phone: +44 1244 400400

Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs: 12-2:30pm 6-9pm, Fri-Sat: 12-2:30pm 6-10pm

Website: Sticky Walnut

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4. Marmalade

Coffee and Cake
Source: Pixabay

More and more, we are seeing restaurants finally starting to cater to those who are vegan and gluten-free, Marmalade prides itself on having the most extensive gluten-free menu in Chester, almost everything they make can be adjusted for your needs! One reviewer said they had the best cakes in the area!

As a breakfast and lunch cafe, it’s a perfect place to unwind in the city centre and treat yourself to some delicious treats! With plenty of sandwiches, paninis and salads, they also have a wide selection of homemade cakes, all of which have gluten-free options! Check their website for prices.

Marmalade

Address: 67 Northgate Street, Chester CH2 HQ

Phone: +44 1244 314565

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-7:30pm, Sat: 9am-7:30pm, Sun: 10am-6pm

Website: Marmalade

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5. Beatons Tearooms

Afternoon Tea
Source: Pixabay

Sometimes the atmosphere can be just as important as the quality of the food served and Beatons Tearooms definitely rates highly. Situated right next to the famous Eastgate Clock, with a view of the prestigious and ancient Chester Cathedral, the location of Beatons Tearooms is hard to beat!

They also take their traditions very seriously, so, if you want to have the full English experience, their high afternoon tea menu is just for you! With a range of loose-leaf teas that you can get hot or iced, you can order a beautiful three-tiered display of carefully cute sandwiches, cakes and other delicious little treats! On the more pricey side, it will cost you 15 GBP (20 USD) per person (minimum two people) but this traditional experience is totally worth it!

Beatons Tearooms

Address: Bell Tower House Bell Tower Walk St, Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY

Phone: +44 1244 950761

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm

Website: Beatons Tearooms

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6. Mad Hatters

Mad Hatters Tea Party
Source: Photo by user Dunk used under CC BY 2.0

One of the best tearooms in Chester has to be Mad Hatters Tearooms. This award-winning establishment resides within the historic Rectory and it was a runner-up on the British daytime cooking show, ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’, in 2014! If you love a good theme restaurant, especially if you love Alice in Wonderland, you will love the subtle touches in Mad Hatter’s!

Many reviewers love the fresh ingredients and tasty homemade cakes that are well worth the price! Their menu is also full of traditional British meals, such as jacket potatoes and a full-English breakfast (vegetarian available). Their afternoon tea is their best feature though, with two available packages: ‘Alice’s Afternoon Tea’ at 16 GBP (20 USD) per person and 'The Red Queen’s Afternoon Tea’ at 21 GBP (27 USD) per person.

Mad Hatters Tearooms

Address: 49 Bridge Street Row East, Chester CH1 1NW

Phone: +44 1244 323444

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5pm, Sun: 10:30am-5pm

Website: Mad Hatters Tearooms

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7. Zugers Tea Rooms

Afternoon Tea Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Source: Photo by user Elsie Hui used under CC BY 2.0

Voted as one of the best tearooms in Chester by its customers, Zugers Tea Rooms offers a delectable choice of English and Swiss sandwiches, cakes, soups, coffees and teas! Sitting in the heart of Chester, you can easily come in for lunch, after a day of shopping and sightseeing. Many reviewers love their cakes and sandwiches and say the service was splendid and you’ll be seated and served within minutes of walking through the front door!

Zugers Tea Rooms

Address: 2 St. John Street, Chester CH1 1DA

Phone: +44 1244 348041

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5:30pm, Sun: 10am-4:30pm

Website: Zugers Tea Rooms

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8. The Brewery Tap

Gamul House 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter I. Vardy used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

This traditional English pub resides in the Gamul House, which dates back to the 16th century and the original brick and fireplace can be seen behind the bar! If you come here, you’ll be having your delicious dinner where King Charles I stayed in 1645, during the Battle of Rowton Moor!

Aside from the hundreds of years of history that grace this place, many reviews praise the Brewery Tap for its great selection of beer, its tasty ale pies and for being a dog-friendly pub! Prices are also extremely reasonable and all sides, starters, mains and desserts are under 11 GBP (15 USD).

The Brewery Tap

Address: 52-54 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RU

Phone: +44 1244 340999

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 12-11pm, Sun: 12-10:30pm

Website: The Brewery Tap

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9. The Old Harkers Arms

The Old Harkers Arms, Chester - DSC08247
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rept0n1x used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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). Many reviews on this place say it’s worth it and their delicious honey roasted ham and herb crusted hake fillet are a must try for first-timers!

The Old Harkers Arms

Address: 1 Russell Street, Chester CH3 5AL

Phone: +44 1244 344525

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30am-11pm, Sun: 12-10:30pm

Website: The Old Harkers Arms

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10. Ye Olde Kings Head

Ye Olde Kings Head (8062179758)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter Broster used under CC BY 2.0

Sitting near the heart of Chester’s bustling city centre, Ye Olde Kings Head Hotel boasts a fantastic pub! Many say that it is nicely modernised but still retains much of the old-world charm that comes with the ancient city of Chester! This 17th-century inn will surprise you, with its wide selection of ales and wines, a fantastic Sunday roast and traditional starters and mains at a very reasonable price!

Mains average between 9.95 GBP (13 USD), for a delicious steak burger, to their most expensive at 19.95 GBP (26 USD), for a delectable fish platter, comprised of calamari, breaded scampi and sweet chilli prawn skewers, to share!

Ye Olde Kings Head

Address: 50 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RS

Phone: +44 1244 324855

Website: Ye Olde Kings Head

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English cuisine at its finest!

Although England’s dishes may not be the most exotic, there is still something comforting about their hearty Sunday roasts! And you’ll instantly feel posher enjoying a traditional, and much loved afternoon tea while sipping from dainty teacups and indulging in some pretty pastry puffs!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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