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 inside, so after a wander along the river or around the walls, everyone can settle in together.

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, you can tuck yourself away in quieter upstairs spaces or stay in the buzz of the bar below. Food leans classic and comforting, with homemade dishes and proper Sunday roasts, while the bar keeps things interesting with cask ales, 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.