Bear & Billet

Sitting just inside Chester's city walls, the Bear & Billet is one of those pubs that stops you in your tracks before you've even stepped inside. The black-and-white timber-framed building dates all the way back to 1664, originally built as a townhouse for the Earls of Shrewsbury before becoming the character-packed pub it is today. Dogs are welcome in the ground-floor bar area, so after a wander along the river or around the walls, everyone can settle in together downstairs.

Inside, it's everything you want from a historic pub — creaky floors, cosy corners, and that layered, lived-in feel that only centuries can create. Spread over three floors, the ground-floor bar has the wood fire and relaxed buzz, while quieter upstairs spaces are reserved for diners without dogs. Food leans classic and comforting, with homemade dishes and proper Sunday roasts served throughout the week, while the bar keeps things interesting with cask ales, craft beers, and a wide drinks selection.

It's the kind of place that works just as well for a quick pint as it does for settling in and letting the afternoon disappear. Muddy paws, historic floors, and a well-earned drink all come together nicely — just keep to the bar area with your four-legged companion.