Nestled on the banks of the River Dee, Chester is a city that's effortlessly charming. But it's not just the historic architecture or cobbled streets that make this city a must-visit; it's home to some mighty fine cocktail bars. Whether you’re after a classic martini in a sleek, stylish setting or a creative concoction in a quirky, hidden gem, the bar scene here has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top cocktail bars Chester's got to offer - cheers.
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Top 10 Chester Cocktail Bars
1. The Botanist
- Where: 13 St Werburgh Street, CH1 2DY
- Best for: floral concoctions and pretty surrounds
If you've got a date coming up, we can't recommend this spot enough. Starting off our list is The Botanist, one of the top cocktail bars in Chester city centre. It's a delightful escape tucked away down Godstall Lane, featuring white-painted walls, rustic panelling, and wrought iron details. The drinks menu is as creative as the décor, offering everything from signature cocktails to botanical twists on classics.
If you're feeling adventurous, try the Plant Pot, a smooth mix of Maker's Mark bourbon, amaretto, kiwi purée, and honey syrup, or indulge in the Poppy & Pink Gin Punch, a fruity blend of Beefeater pink gin, raspberry liqueurs, and strawberry purée. The signature Botanist cocktail, with its infusion of 42 Below vodka, Bacardi Carta Blanca, and elderflower liqueur, is a refreshing way to kick off your evening.
Clink refreshing cocktails with your friends at The Botanist.
2. Kahiki
- Where: 8 Watergate Street, North, CH1 2LD
- Best for: tiki bar sips and party vibes
Kahiki in Chester is the perfect place to dive into a world of exotic cocktails. Opened in November 2022, this vibrant bar quickly became a standout on Watergate Street with a bold, Polynesian-inspired twist: think Manhattan meets tiki. Fancy something unforgettable? The Flaming Zombie is an iconic choice, featuring a fiery blend of Cuban rums, apricot brandy, and tropical fruits.
Or, if you're seeking something lighter and refreshing, the Holiday 8, with its passion fruit, mango puree, and ginger beer, will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. For the adventurous, the Irish Trashcan combines whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and blue curacao in a lively mix that packs a punch. With live music four nights a week, the atmosphere here is always buzzing, adding an extra layer of energy to your experience.
The Flaming Zombie cocktail (pictured) is truly something to behold.
3. Kuckoo
- Where: 58 Watergate Street, CH1 2LA
- Best for: rock 'n' roll energy
If there was ever a place to nail the rock 'n' roll aesthetic in Chester, then Kuckoo would be it. Born from the transformation of a dilapidated backstreet pub in Preston, its unique vibe has since spread to Chester, Knutsford, and Sheffield, earning a devoted following of cocktail lovers and music fans alike. With an indie rock soundtrack pumping through the speakers, a killer cocktail list, and charming bartenders who know how to make you feel at home, it offers a fabulous night out.
The cocktail masterclasses and bottomless brunches are popular and rightly so, but we're all about the £7 'rocktails'. Sip on the likes of Purple Rain, featuring vodka and Monin Blue Curacao liqueur, or the fruity Alabama Slammer topped off with fresh orange juice. For something a little more decadent, look to the 'riffs' section of the menu where you'll find the Cookie Dough Delight made of rum, caramel syrup and fresh cream for a tenner.
The memo at Kuckoo is red, velvety and moody.
4. Prohibition
- Where: 66 Watergate Street, CH1 2LA
- Best for: a 1920s theme with live jazz
Hidden away from the bustle of the city, Prohibition offers an experience straight out of the Roaring 20s. But getting in? That’s half the fun. You’ll need to track down the secret door and give it a knock to enter, adding an element of mystery to your night. Once inside, you’re greeted by plush red accents, antique furniture, and dim lighting that sets the mood for a truly intimate evening.
The skilled mixologists here are masters at what they do, whipping up everything from delicate, flower-adorned sips to bold, Black Forest-inspired concoctions. Soak up the vintage charm of the venue, surrounded by bookcases, lanterns and velvet accents. As the jazz plays in the background, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to a world of glamour and sophistication.
Enjoy a slice of the 1920s in this secret bar tucked away in Chester.
5. Palm
- Where: 31 Watergate Street, CH1 2LB
- Best for: Barbie-core Instagrammers
If you’ve been anywhere near Watergate Street, you’ve probably noticed the unmistakable pink bar that makes Palm impossible to miss. From the extravagant window display to the stunning flower wall inside, it’s a picture-perfect spot designed to make your Instagram pop.
As the clock strikes 6pm, Palm transforms into a buzzing cocktail hotspot. The Glitz & Glamour menu offers cocktails designed to add sparkle to your night, while the Meet Me at the Carousel section brings carnival-inspired drinks with playful flavours and appearances. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday, don’t miss Pink Wednesdays - a celebration of all things pink with cocktails like Doll Kiss, Watermelon Sugar, and Pink Lemonade, all available for just £4.95 from open to close.
At Palm in Chester, there's no time for muted tones.
6. Red Door
- Where: 4 St John Street, CH1 1DA
- Best for: inventive and bottomless drinks
Red Door has a mantra of 'changing the world one drink at a time,' which is a bold statement and one we'd be silly not to check out. This cool bar brings the perfect blend of music and mixology to Chester’s nightlife scene, playing an eclectic mix of funk, disco, R&B, and everything in between. Drinks-wise, the menu is a journey through time, showcasing everything from 19th-century cocktail classics to modern-day favourites.
Split into four sections, it showcases 'the new era', 'times gone by', 'classical masterpiece' and 'sobriety'. Get your lips around the Dirty Harry, made using Woodford Reserve, lemon juice and strawberry puree, the tequila-based The Corleone, Marmalade Skies, featuring egg white and, you guessed it, orange marmalade, and more.
The Bakewell Sour (pictured) is a much-loved cocktail served here, made using Disaronno and Chambord.
7. Barlounge
- Where: 75 Watergate Street, CH1 2LB
- Best for: drinking a spritz on a pretty terrace
For 25 years, Barlounge has served expertly crafted cocktails on their inviting heated terrace, fronting pretty flowers, potted plants and floral cushions. Their menu features innovative creations that never fail to impress. Try the Off Your Bonnet - a bold blend of Olmeca Altos Reposado tequila, scotch bonnet, and mango for that perfect sweet-and-spicy kick.
Or, if you’re looking to embrace a little luxury, the Golden Hour is your go-to: a refreshing combination of Three Wrens bloody apricot gin, melon, and prosecco. For something fruity and elegant, the Rose & Stone will take you on a sensory escape with RinQuinQuin, Lillet rosé, strawberry, and peach.
Come rain or shine, Barlounge's terrace will keep you warm with its heaters.
8. The Love Shack
- Where: 14 Cuppin Street, CH1 2BN
- Best for: dancing and RnB music
A high-energy and RnB-obsessed cocktail bar? Chester's Love Shack ticks the box. This sun-soaked oasis brings together the best of the Caribbean and the coolest of hip-hop and RnB. Created by Chester’s own Nathan Harrison, it's a tropical paradise that will transport you straight to a beach party, no passport required.
As expected from a tiki-inspired bar, rum is the star of the show, and dishes and drinks nod to iconic artists, songs, and groups. Can you spot all the references? For cocktail lovers, prepare to get your tiki on with drinks like the Woo Ting Clan - a fruity fusion of Raspberri Absolut, peach liqueur, and lime juice. Or go for the Island Girl, featuring Beefeater gin, elderflower liqueur, and a refreshing burst of mint, cucumber, and apple juice. And if you're feeling daring, try the Zombie, a wild concoction of multiple rums, absinthe, and a blend of tropical fruit juices that'll have you feeling the island breeze with every sip.
Head to Love Shack for fruity drinks and good times.
9. Church Bar & Terrace
- Where: Newgate Street, CH1 1DE
- Best for: quirky interiors
It's not every day you can drink in a church, but at Chester's Church Bar & Terrace, you can. This is where the awe-inspiring architecture of a restored historic church blends with a contemporary bar. From the moment you approach the striking, gothic entrance and enter the grand interior, you'll be greeted by a truly magnificent space that combines the building’s rich history with a chic, modern edge - every detail has been meticulously restored.
The bar offers a selection of premium lagers, Guinness, and ciders on draught, alongside a curated cocktail and wine list. Highlights include the Old Testament daiquiri - a timeless combination of Havana 3-year rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup, served straight up or frozen - or the refreshing Tropical Hit, which combines Absolut Mango, Passoa, peach syrup, and a burst of citrus for the perfect tropical sip. In addition to the main cocktail menu, the bar also offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, marked with the abstinence symbol.
Order your drinks opposite a massive organ, surrounded by stained glass windows.
10. Oddfellows Lounge Bar
- Where: 20 Lower Bridge Street, CH1 1RS
- Best for: sophisticated sips in a hotel bar
Oddfellows Lounge Bar is nestled in the heart of Chester within a beautifully restored Georgian Townhouse that was once home to the Oddfellows Society - an enclave for misfits, dreamers, and creatives. Today, this stunning building is now an award-winning boutique hotel.
At Oddfellows, the cocktail bar is the true heart of the experience, set in a classic Georgian drawing room that exudes elegance and warmth. Picture yourself sipping a finely crafted cocktail by a crackling fire, surrounded by rich paneling and woodland frescos. On the menu? Everything from beers and wines to spritzes and classic cocktails like espresso martinis. Outside, The Secret Garden provides a serene escape, with its florally designed space, cosy fires, and canopies to shield you from the elements.
Admire the beautiful wildlife paintings in the lounge bar of Oddfellows.
Bookend your drink with a meal thanks to our guide to Chester restaurants.
