Old Harkers Arms Restaurant in Chester

Reviews

1. mayo manchester ★★★★★

   The venue was very busy for a Monday evening at 5pm but we managed to get a table. You really need to book in advance. There are two dinning areas one in the drinking side of the bar and the other in the library setting. We could only get the drinking part of the bar which was louder than the library side. The food was very good and served with amble portions, it was reasonably priced but a little more expensive than you would pay in a pub, more like restaurant prices. Large glass of wine at £12 was a bit on the steep side. Cask ale at just over £5 was a very good pint and worth the money.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Felicia C ★★★☆☆

   Went on a pre-booked work do. Pros: -food was delicious. -I phoned about being able to take my furkid as I was at work all day and didn’t want him to be alone for any longer, and a lovely cheery lady said I could because we had a pet friendly area in our booking. -Lady in black top who greeted us when we arrived at the bar to await our table was lovely and another young lady in glasses and jeans too. I don’t get your names but thank you for welcoming us. Pictured are some of our orders, I forgot pictures of tiramisu, Alaskan slice and waffles as we were starving after a full shift! -Portions were generous! -Beautifully plated. -Ladies was very clean. Cons: -some of the servers attitudes were really poor. We work in retail in Cheshire Oaks so we have seen all sorts, it didn’t seem like a swamped place like any of our restaurants in Cheshire Oaks nor in city center of Chester but 2 staff members particularly seemed to be in a bad mood/that we weren’t supposed to be there. -No one asked how I’d like my steak cooked and items asked for were not honored-eg. Asked for ketchup to go with chips but none came. Table was booked for 7.30pm and a few of us arrived early but we weren’t seated till later after checking 3x if our table was ready. This was for a work do pre-booked for 8 people, 3 course meal each and multiple drinks… I heard that their chain of restaurants are great so will visit the others but unlikely to return to this or recommend it unless service standards doesn’t matter to you. If service was attentive/welcoming they’d have 5/5.

   almost 7 months ago
3. Ciaran West ★★★★★

   We popped into the Old Hawkers on a Thursday night, and the place was absolutely buzzing! It had such a great energy and atmosphere, which is always brilliant to see. First things first, the bar is excellent—they have a huge selection of drinks, so whether you're into craft beers or cocktails, you’ll definitely find something to kick off your night. We had booked a table for food and honestly, the meal was 5-star. We were totally blown away by the quality; it was proper high-end dining hidden in a great pub setting. What really made the experience amazing was the service. We had a fantastic 1-to-1 waitress who was so attentive, friendly, and just made sure we were looked after perfectly all evening. If you’re visiting Chester, this spot is a must-try. Go for the drinks, stay for the incredible food and amazing service!

   almost 8 months ago

1. Thinasha Mendis ★★★★★

   Beautiful pub right next to the canal. Beer garden area is perfect for a few pints on a hot summer day. Inside the pub is also very spacious with a lot of attention detail. Staff were friendly and fast at what they do. Haven’t had any food here but pretty sure they taste good as it looks.

   1 year ago
2. Jake Lewis ★★★★★

   Stunning pub. We booked a table here for dinner and it’s a good job we did because the main part of the pub was heaving. Thankfully, they have a small, quaint area for dining bookings, which is where we were sat. The food was unreal. I had the wild mushroom and tarragon soup for starters. It was packed full of flavour and had a perfect consistency. The black pudding sausage roll looked, and apparently tasted, incredible. The braised shoulder of lamb was cooked beautifully, falling apart with the slightest tug. The gravy was so rich and complimented the lamb well. The veg had a good crunch to it, and the carrots were sweet, which worked well with the gravy. It was my first time trying dauphinoise potatoes and I wasn’t a big fan. Were they unpleasant? No. Were they cooked badly? I don’t think so. I likely just don’t like dauphinoise potatoes. The sticky toffee pudding was nice and didn’t seem to be bought in, as desserts so often are. Service was very friendly throughout, although towards the end, as the main pub got packed, we struggled to get the attention of a waitress as they were occupied with that part of the pub. We can’t wait to go back here and sample whatever is on the menu next time we’re in Chester!

   1 year ago
3. Michael Nash ★★★☆☆

   was having an overnight stay in Chester when my wife and I come across this pub seemed to be busy Judging by the people sitting outside by the canal nice outdoor area with lights on well & nice hanging baskets. Then we go inside and again seems nice but the first thing we both noises its a bit up market ok yes it's Chester but surely everyone is welcome YES well NO if you have children that's a no to you if your in large groups that's a no to you as well . But if you have a dog come on in more than welcome. It's a very up Market customer they are going for . We have a drink or two . bar staff ok not what you call chatting anless you are middle class the prices are what they are.but in all said and done it's a nice place to stop and have a drink in a wonderful location by the canal. Would I go there again yes as me and my wife are as good as the rest . It's not how much you earn . Everyone should be made to feel welcome family / children / and football fans just as long as people keep their house in order. That's no children running around all over the place and no singing football songs as long as everybody respect everybody else then everybody should be made welcome

   almost 3 years ago

1. Neil ★★★★☆

   I thought I had already reviewed this establishment but possibly not? Anyway, it was OK but not overly exciting. The food was also OK but not exciting but they annoying thing was the acoustics with very hard furnishings it made it very noisy and rowdy. The staff were very nice but personally not a repeat visit for me.

   almost 4 years ago
2. Donovan Sampson-Riggs ★★★★☆

   Really busy but they did accommodate us outside with amazing heaters. The food was good my steak sandwich was a bit chewy, but the did offer toasties and salad instead of chips because they could not guarantee they were fish free. Very pleasant staff, would love to go back.

   almost 4 years ago
3. stuart roden ★★★★★

   Excellent menu. Very helpful staff Great value and brilliant "vibe" to the pub. Food was excellent and beer choice variety and quality excellent. Couldn't fault anything

   almost 4 years ago

1. Mike Marrinan ★★★★★

   I've had the pleasure of visiting Chester several times over the past few years. The first time I came, I found this place while exploring the city. Now, no trip is complete without a visit to this pub. Several visits, preferably. This place isn't a standard shady sports pub with a bunch of young folks yelling at one another. No annoying loud music or stag/hen parties. It's a cozy, respectable place with interesting beers and great food. Probably the best fish and chips I've ever had. Dog friendly, as well. I can't wait until my next visit.

   almost 4 years ago

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