Chester Restaurants & Pubs With Outdoor Seating

Chester has always had a strong food and drink scene, but what really sets it apart is the range of outdoor spaces available across the city. From riverside terraces along the Dee to hidden courtyard gardens behind historic buildings, there is something for every occasion.

Whether you are visiting for a short break, planning a family lunch, meeting friends for cocktails or organising a larger celebration, outdoor seating adds a relaxed feel to the experience. Below is an updated guide to restaurants, bars and pubs in Chester that currently offer outdoor space.

The Groves and Riverside

The stretch along The Groves is one of the most popular riverside dining areas in Chester when the weather is good. Close to the River Dee and within easy walking distance of the city centre, it is ideal for relaxed afternoons and early evening drinks. It is also a lovely part of Chester for a pre-dinner stroll, with plenty of benches, river views and easy access back into town.

The Boathouse

21 The Groves, CH1 1SD

A long-established riverside pub in one of Chester’s best spots for outdoor seating. The Boathouse sits right on the promenade, so the tables and terrace feel close to the action on the water. The floating beer garden and beach-hut-style seating give it a fun, laid-back feel, and it is a popular choice for families during the day and for groups in the evening.

Food leans towards pub favourites and sharing dishes, with plenty of options for a casual lunch or a longer meal. It is also a handy meeting point if you are walking in from the city centre, because The Groves is easy to find and has a relaxed pace compared with the shopping streets.

Hickory’s Smokehouse

Souter’s Lane, CH1 1SD

Situated just behind The Groves, Hickory’s feels close to the river without being directly on the main walkway, which can make it a good option on busy weekends. The outdoor walled garden is a real highlight, offering plenty of space for families and larger parties, and it often stays lively well into the evening.

The menu focuses on American-style barbecue, with ribs, brisket, burgers, and sides that are well-suited for sharing. It is a great pick if you want an informal meal with a bit of atmosphere, and the location is convenient if you are combining dinner with a walk along the Dee.

The Moorings

23 The Groves, CH1 1SD

A traditional English eatery right by the riverbank, with outdoor tables that make the most of the setting. The Moorings tends to suit visitors who want a calmer pace, especially earlier in the day, with the river providing a lovely backdrop for a long lunch or relaxed dinner.

The menu includes familiar British dishes, seafood and daily specials, so it works well if you want something classic and comfortable. It is also very easy to reach from the city centre, making it a simple choice if you want riverside dining without travelling far.

City Centre Near Eastgate and Bridge Street

If you are shopping, sightseeing or meeting friends in the heart of Chester, these venues place you right in the middle of things. This area is ideal if you want to enjoy a meal or drinks outdoors, then carry on exploring the Rows, the Cathedral and the city centre shops without needing to travel across town.

Côte Brasserie

36 Bridge Street, CH1 1NN

Côte sits on Bridge Street in the centre of Chester, making it a convenient stop before a day of shopping or an evening out. The outdoor tables are great for people-watching, especially at peak times when the city centre is buzzing.

The menu is classic French brasserie, with breakfast options, steaks, seafood and familiar favourites. It suits everything from a quick lunch to a more leisurely evening meal, and the central location makes it easy to meet friends here before moving on.

Duttons

10–12 Godstall Lane, CH1 1LN

Just off Eastgate Street, Duttons benefits from being central without feeling as busy as the main shopping route. Godstall Lane has a slightly tucked-away feel, so outdoor seating here can be more relaxed than tables on the high-footfall streets.

It is a good all-rounder for lunch, dinner, or cocktails, with a menu that covers British favourites and a strong selection of vegetarian options. It works well if you want a city centre meal and still prefer a quieter spot to sit outside.

The Botanist

13 St Werburgh Street, CH1 2DY

A lively venue close to the Cathedral and some of Chester’s prettiest streets. The Botanist is known for its cocktails and upbeat atmosphere, and the Secret Garden offers an outdoor space that still feels sheltered and comfortable.

It suits both casual meals and evenings that start with food and carry on into drinks. The menu includes hanging kebabs, burgers, and sharing boards, making it a popular choice for groups, especially on weekends.

Oddfellows

20 Lower Bridge Street, CH1 1RS

Oddfellows is best known for its hidden garden, which feels like a real escape from the busy city centre. Lower Bridge Street is only a short walk from the main shopping area, but this venue feels removed once you step inside.

Outdoor seating includes booths and fire pits, making it comfortable even when the temperature drops. It is a strong choice for celebrations, date nights, and weekends, with food and drink that feel a little more special than at the average pub.

Northgate Street and The Independent Quarter

This part of the city has a strong independent feel, with smaller venues and tucked-away terraces. It is a great area for a slower pace, especially if you want somewhere that suits a relaxed catch-up over wine, coffee, or sharing plates.

Veeno

52 Northgate Street, CH1 2HA

Veeno is an Italian wine bar that suits relaxed evenings, with pavement seating that brings you right into the buzz of Northgate Street. It is a great option if you want a more laid-back start to a night out, with a focus on wine flights, Italian bottles, and food designed for grazing.

Expect antipasti boards, small plates and simple Italian dishes that pair well with a glass of red or something sparkling. The outdoor seating works particularly well for early evening drinks, especially on warm days.

Porta Tapas Bar

140 Northgate Street, CH1 2HT

Porta is well known in Chester for its simple, informal approach to tapas. The Northgate Street location is ideal if you want to stay central, and the outdoor seating adds to the relaxed atmosphere, especially for early-evening food and drinks.

The menu is designed for sharing, with small plates brought out as they are ready. It is a great pick for couples or groups who want a casual, social meal that can easily turn into a longer evening.

Marmalade

67 Northgate Street, CH1 2HQ

Marmalade is a small independent café ideal for breakfast, brunch, and a light lunch. The outdoor seating is limited, but it is a lovely spot for a coffee stop, especially if you are exploring Chester on foot and want a break near the independent shops.

You can expect a welcoming atmosphere and homemade cakes alongside breakfast and lunch favourites. It suits visitors who want something relaxed and unfussy, with a strong local feel.

The Pied Bull

57 Northgate Street, CH1 2HQ

The Pied Bull is one of Chester’s best-known traditional pubs, with a reputation built on both its history and its atmosphere. The outdoor terrace is a great place to sit with a pint, especially if you want to be central but prefer a pub setting rather than a restaurant terrace.

Inside, it has a classic feel, and it is known for serving traditional pub food alongside its own brewed beer. It suits everything from a casual lunch to an early evening drink before heading elsewhere in town.

Commonhall St. Social

10 Commonhall Street, CH1 2BJ

Commonhall St. Social is a popular spot for informal evenings, partly because the terrace feels like a hidden extra once you are inside. It is a good option if you want a social spot without the formality of a sit-down restaurant, and it suits groups who want to chat over food and drinks.

Expect sharing platters, sandwiches, and a well-chosen selection of beers. It works particularly well for a casual start to the night or a relaxed catch-up in the afternoon.

Canal Side and Tower Wharf

A little quieter than the main shopping streets, this area offers waterside views without the bustle of The Groves. It is a great choice if you want somewhere with a more relaxed pace, especially earlier in the day or for an evening drink by the canal.

Telford’s Warehouse

Tower Wharf, CH1 4EZ

Telford’s is a well-known Chester venue that combines food, drinks and live events in a setting overlooking the canal basin. Outdoor tables by the water are a big draw in warmer weather, and it is a nice spot if you prefer canal views to the busier riverside promenade.

It has a strong independent feel, with real ales and hearty pub dishes, and it often attracts a mix of locals, visitors and people heading to events. If you want somewhere with atmosphere but not the full city centre rush, this area works well.

The Lock Keeper

1 Canal Side, CH1 3LH

The Lock Keeper is a laid-back canal-side pub that suits casual drinks and easy-going meals. The terrace seating makes it a good stop on a canal walk, and it is also a popular choice for a quieter alternative to the main city centre bars.

Food tends to be relaxed and crowd-pleasing, with pizzas, sandwiches, and drinks that work well for an afternoon visit. It is a handy option if you want an outdoor space that is still sheltered and comfortable.

Garden Quarter and Handbridge

Slightly away from the main tourist routes, these areas offer larger beer gardens and a more local feel. They are ideal if you want a quieter base for food and drinks, while still being close enough to get into the city centre quickly.

The Bouverie

51 Garden Lane, CH1 4EW

The Bouverie is known locally for its beer garden, which is a big reason it is popular in the warmer months. Garden Lane is a little removed from the busiest city centre streets, giving it a more relaxed feel, and it often attracts groups looking for an easy-going afternoon or evening.

It suits casual pub food, catch-ups with friends and informal celebrations, with plenty of outdoor space that works well for groups.

Alexander’s Live

Rufus Court, CH1 2JW

Although close to the centre, Alexander’s feels tucked away once you arrive, which is part of its appeal. It is well known for live music, comedy, and cabaret, and the outdoor courtyard offers space to enjoy food and drinks before the entertainment starts.

It is a great choice for an evening out that includes dinner and a show, and the outdoor seating is ideal for meeting friends without feeling rushed.

Zugers

2 St John Street, CH1 1DA

Zugers is a Swiss family-run café with a loyal following, known for its welcoming, dependable service from breakfast through to evening meals. Its hidden garden and covered outdoor seating provide a calmer alternative to the busier streets, which makes it a good pick if you want to sit outside and chat without the main city centre rush.

It suits breakfast and brunch particularly well, and it is also a handy stop if you are exploring nearby attractions and want a comfortable break.

Just Outside Chester

If you do not mind a short journey, there are also excellent options just beyond the city centre. This is a good category if you are planning a longer meal, meeting family members, or want somewhere with more space than the busiest parts of town.

The Architect

54 Nicholas Street, CH1 2NX

Set within the city walls and overlooking the Roodee racecourse, The Architect has one of the most open-feeling outdoor terraces in Chester. The view across the racecourse gives it a spacious backdrop, and it is a popular choice on sunny weekends and race days.

It suits both casual drinks and full meals, with seasonal menus and traditional pub favourites. It is also a good option if you want to stay close to the centre but prefer a terrace to pavement seating.

The Chester Fields

Mickle Trafford, CH2 4DG

A short drive from Chester, The Chester Fields is a great option if you want a countryside feel without travelling far. It is well known for its ample space, including outdoor dining areas and garden seating that suit longer, more relaxed meals.

It is a popular choice for Sunday lunch, family gatherings and special occasions, and the outdoor space is ideal in warmer weather. It also works well if you are visiting Chester and want one standout meal outside the city centre.

Your Taxis In Chester

Heading out for food and drinks should be enjoyable from start to finish. Parking in Chester city centre can be limited, especially at weekends and during events, so arranging transport in advance makes the evening far more straightforward.

Our Taxis in Chester provides reliable journeys across Chester and Cheshire, whether you are travelling to the riverside, the city centre or just outside town. We cover all major taxi ranks, including Chester Railway Station, Foregate Street, Northgate Street and the main city centre locations.

All of our drivers are DBS-checked and licensed by Cheshire West and Chester Council. Most vehicles are fitted with card machines, and we also offer 8-seater minibuses and wheelchair friendly transport for larger groups or passengers with additional needs.

If you are planning a meal out, book your taxi in advance so we can take care of the journey for you. Call 01244 421024 or use our online booking system to arrange your taxi in Chester today.

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