City Tavern Chester

The City Tavern is a well-established pub and restaurant located on Frodsham Street, right in the heart of historic Chester.

The City Tavern is a well-established pub and restaurant located on Frodsham Street, right in the heart of historic Chester. Just a few hundred metres from the city’s new bus interchange and a short five-minute walk from the train station, it enjoys excellent visibility and consistent footfall from shoppers, commuters, and visitors alike. Dating back to around 1872, the City Tavern is a proud part of Chester’s long-standing hospitality scene. Inside, the venue combines traditional character with modern comfort, featuring a spacious, multi-zoned layout that offers something for everyone. The interior includes a cosy main bar with farmhouse-style seating, a large dining area with space for around 100 covers, and a mezzanine level for up to 40 guests — ideal for private events and functions. The large central bar serves an impressive range of real ales, lagers, and craft beers, while multiple screens show live sport, creating a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere throughout the week. Food is at the heart of the offer, with a popular menu of classic pub favourites, from hearty grills and steaks to lighter options for families and daytime diners. The site also benefits from a “dark kitchen” delivery model, allowing for off-site sales and further revenue growth alongside the on-site dining trade. Outside, a spacious rear beer garden provides seating for around 80 guests — perfect for al fresco dining or enjoying a drink in the sunshine. Family-friendly, with accessible facilities, Wi-Fi, and a relaxed atmosphere, The City Tavern offers an excellent opportunity for an operator to build on its success and further establish it as one of Chester’s go-to destinations for great food, sport, and socialising. Key Features • Located right in centre of town • Strong food offer with over 100+ covers • Close to Bus Station & Train Station hubs • Historic building • Cask Ale offering • Sky Sports Business & Financial Information • Estimated ingoings (upfront): £23,295 • Full deposit: £22,500 • Agreement fee: £795 • Guide rent (weekly): £1,731 • Guide rent (annual): £90,000 • Forecast turnover (weekly): £20,710 • Forecast turnover (annual): £1,076,927 Ideal Operator We’re looking for an experienced hospitality operator to take on this already thriving pub and build on its strong foundations. The City Tavern is perfectly suited for someone who understands how to balance a quality food-led offer with an engaging, community-focused experience that appeals to both locals and tourists. The ideal operator will be hands-on, commercially minded, and passionate about great service — someone who can connect with Chester’s diverse customer base, from daytime diners and shoppers to evening socialisers and sports fans. With its established trade, flexible layout, and fantastic central location, The City Tavern is ready for the right person to drive sales, grow the food business, and take this historic venue to the next level. Private Accommodation There is no accommodation at this site.  Regional Manager's Thoughts An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced publican or operator to take the reins of The City Tavern and drive this already successful business forward. With a strong sales performance and a well-established presence on the Chester pub scene, there are lots of events to help attract customers.  Chester attracts around 8–10 million visitors annually, giving a year-round visitor flow.  Race days, Christmas markets, Roman reenactments, and cultural festivals all create seasonal peaks along with the loyal support from the locals. Food sales are already strong, but there is definitely room to grow for an experienced food operator. Surrounding Area Chester is one of the UK’s most fascinating and picturesque cities — a place where Roman history, medieval architecture, and modern living blend seamlessly. Renowned for its beautiful heritage, vibrant city centre, and thriving hospitality scene, it attracts a constant flow of visitors, students, and professionals all year round. The city is packed with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, alongside more upmarket venues and national brands, creating a diverse customer base. Chester’s famous Rows — unique two-tier medieval shopping galleries — draw shoppers and tourists from across the country, offering one of the most distinctive high street experiences in Britain. Local landmarks and attractions add to the city’s appeal. Highlights include the City Walls, among the most complete in the UK; the stunning Chester Cathedral, dating back nearly 1,000 years; and the Roman Amphitheatre, the largest known military amphitheatre in Britain. Grosvenor Park, set beside the River Dee, provides a tranquil green space for walking, open-air theatre, and relaxation, while Chester Zoo remains one of the most visited attractions in the UK, bringing in families and tourists year-round. With its excellent transport links, strong mix of residents, visitors, and day-trippers, and steady footfall from shoppers and commuters, Chester offers an exciting and dynamic environment for a thriving hospitality business. The City Tavern’s central position on Frodsham Street makes it ideally placed to capture this trade and become a go-to venue for both locals and visitors alike. .