Harkers Arms

From Chester Wiki

Contents 1 About Harker's 2 Where 3 Atmosphere 4 Prices 5 Food 6 Conclusion 7 Other Reviews

[edit] About Harker's

The Harker's Arms is one of Chester's hidden gems. It's outside the city centre so tends to be missed by the casual visitor, which means it's a proper drinking den for discerning Cestrians. In 2007 the business changed hands and the matter was the subject of lively discussion on Chester@Large.

[edit] Where

The Harker's Arms is situated on the canal, at 1 Russell Street. The easiest way to get to it is walk down City Road and go down the steps on the canal bridge. Harker's is right at the bottom of the steps. N.B. there are actually three sets of steps on this canal bridge and only one of them (the one furthest from the railway station) will take you to Harker's!

[edit] Atmosphere

The great thing about Harker's is that the building is a converted old warehouse on the canal front. It's been very tastefully decorated - lots of exposed brick and beams, plus walls festooned with old sepia photographs. There's a massive oak bar in the middle (with tops that look they belong in a chemistry lab), plus plenty of tables dotted around the L-shaped space, and some sofas. Harker's gets very busy in the evenings as it's a popular spot. It's also busy on Sunday lunchtimes, as it does a good choice of Sunday roasts. So expect to have to queue at the bar and fight for a table if you don't get there early enough. The other good thing about Harker's is that the yoof clubbing fraternity don't hang out here, so it's mercifully free of pissed up teenagers puking in the gutters outside. Although it's under the canal bridge, it's not gloomy as it has massive windows overlooking the water. On a warm summer evening, it's nice to stand outside with a pint and watch the ducks swim by.

[edit] Prices

The bar prices are average for what's a fairly upmarket pub. Harker's is well known as a real ale establishment and it has an impressive choice of beers from all over Europe, a very decent wine list, and over 100 whiskies with a good range of prices to suit your budget.

[edit] Food

Harker's is known for its Sunday lunches, but you can eat there on weekdays too. The menu (and wine list) are both regularly updated on the Harker's website. Prices for meals are halfway between pub and restaurant prices.

[edit] Conclusion

In short, a great pub for real-ale enthusiasts, people who've grown out of clubbing until 3am and people who want a good lunch away from the crowds of the city centre.

[edit] Other Reviews

• At Restaurant Guide
• Beer in the evening have this review
• As listed on the British Pub Guide
• Chester@Large reviews it.
• Not yet reviewed at Pubs Galore ....
• As reported by the Chester Standard
• A Danish Site about Harkers
• The "Rate Beer" site
• Their own list of press cuttings
• Rather negative reviews from "Best Pubs"