What are the best bars in Chester?

1 Prohibition

If you're looking for hidden gems and secret bars in Chester, then Prohibition should be top of your list. Step through the secret entrance off of Watergate St and you'll be transported back into the prohibition era of 1920s America. With live jazz and blues acts regularly performing here, the glamorous surroundings, low lighting and menus hidden in vintage books make it a fantastic place to escape and enjoy an alternative nightlife experience. 

Open from 5 pm to 2 am on Fridays, 3 pm to 2 am on Saturdays and 5 pm to 12 am the rest of the week, Prohibition is a great spot to finish off a late date night or celebrate a midweek win at work. Sip on a classic cocktail like a Negroni or Martini, or enjoy an alternative aperitif such as a Corpse Reviver, Giggle Juice or Lipstick Long. As the house rules say, this is the number one place in Chester to speakeasy.

2 Lono Cove

There are plenty of new bars in Chester, but Lono Cove is one of the trendiest and most Instagram-worthy. With a super-cool interior and a great selection of drinks, you'll be transported to a tropical paradise as soon as you walk through the door. Available for group bookings, private hire and cocktail masterclasses, Lono Cove is open every day of the week - perfect for an event or post-brunch drinks with friends. 

Inspired by the Polynesian culture and named after the Tiki God of fertility and peace, this eco-conscious bar donates a tree to deforestation charities for every selected cocktail brought and sources ingredients as sustainably as possible. Share a Zombie Horde cocktail, sip on a bottle of Mondelo beer or try out their tray of signature shots for a fun, super-cool night out.

3 Barlounge

Having been in the city for more than ten years, Barlounge is one of Chester's most popular nightlife destinations. With stylish indoor and outdoor seating, this cocktail lounge and wine bar serve delicious food and drink in a classy setting. Also, open seven days a week, it's an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and an appetisers sharing board or book for a tasty after-work meal and drinks. 

With cocktails split into categories such as thought-provoking, timeless and vivid, there's something for everyone here. Serving the best of British all year round, it's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with colleagues, friends or family.

4 That Beer Place

For fans of real ales or craft beer, That Beer Place is one of the best independent bars to visit in Chester. Based in Chester Market, this bottleshop turns into a taproom and bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. With eight new IPAs, ales or pilsners on tap every weekend and a selection of more than 350 bottles and cans from across the world, it truly is a beer lover's heaven. 

Some soft drinks, ciders, small-batch gins and a limited wine list are also available to enjoy in this small but perfectly-formed venue. Ideal for small groups or couples, the taproom prides itself on being a welcoming, casual place to enjoy a selection of the world's tastiest beer. Plus, the late-night market opening hours on Friday and Saturday give you the opportunity to try some of the city's best independent food venues in the market alongside your drink of choice.

5 Liquor and Co.

Open from 3 pm every day, Liquor and Co. prides itself on being part of Chester's neighbourhood of independent food and drink venues. Sister to the nearby Craft & Company bar, this 'drinking den' is made for any type of getting together. Cocktails, wine and beer are all served here, it's a great place to discover a new favourite, with plenty of twists on classic drinks available on the menu. 

Book a table for a Saturday night out with friends or turn up and enjoy a Champagne Friday with your other half. Don't want your great night out to end? Then head to the bar and ask for the Caretaker for a welcome surprise.

Enjoy a night out in Chester

Chester can be reached in just over two hours from London Euston, with tickets costing as little as £64.40 and trains departing at least once an hour. Once in Chester, you can easily get a taxi to a nearby hotel or take a 20-minute walk to Watergate Street, the centre of many of the city's bars and clubs. So, whether you're travelling from one of the UK's major cities or elsewhere, book train tickets with Avanti West Coast and arrive relaxed ready to enjoy your night out in Chester.