Bunbury Arms

Few Chester residents realise there is a hidden gem of a country pub on their doorstep. Those fed up of “boil in the bag” pub meals are flocking to the Bunbury Arms between the Zoo and Cheshire Oaks, for proper, hearty, home cooked food served in spotlessly clean surroundings by friendly, unpretentious staff.

The pub has a justified reputation for well kept Real Ales. (Alan, the owner,   received a special award from CAMRA for achieving 25 entries in the annual Good Beer Guide) You will always find at least 4 ales on tap, changing almost daily, “recently we’ve  been promoting local brews which are not readily available in the immediate vicinity,  such as Cain’s, Robinsons, Coach House and, stretching a point, Copper Dragon from Skipton. So we’re doing our bit to cut “beer miles”. In fact Alan, who has once again extended his full Cask Marque accreditation, with a 100% “clean sweep” score for all his beers, is hoping to install two further hand-pulls in the locals snug to cope with the demand.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the pub is just an ale drinkers paradise though! The extensive & well thought out wine list contains no supermarket brands, and still offers excellent value for money.”Italian wines are particularly good again this year” proffers Alan,  ”so much so that our basic house red is a Chianti-like blend of Sangiovese and Rubicone “. The white wines offer comparable value and variety, but Alan admits to being a lover of punchy reds, and keeps an ever-changing “Private Reserve” list for his regular diners.
The Bunbury is very well run, the way pubs used to be. They don’t do Big Screen Football, cheap lager or other offers.”Our customers aren’t daft,” says Janet, the landlady, “we buy top quality produce, locally wherever we can, and serve in hearty portions. They really do seem to appreciate the extra effort” .

With it’s cosy, welcoming atmosphere, the Bunbury is a particularly  female friendly pub, so much so that afternoon teas, coffee and cakes are now served 2 til 6 on weekdays, along with the regular meals. The pub is also popular with cyclists, walkers and those navigating the nearby canal. Even dogs are warmly welcomed in the tiny coal fired “snug” They even book in parties for gourmet pre-Races breakfasts, with or without Champagne!
If you are shopping at Cheshire Oaks , or you just want to avoid the motorway traffic, and want somewhere really nice to eat, I can’t think of a place more suited for a relaxed meal with friends or family as the dark nights set in. This warm & cosy former “Chester Pub of the Year” and *Chester Summer Pub of the Year” really comes into it’s own as Christmas approaches. The comfy chairs and crackling log fire in the main lounge can make you feel like taking root!
Although the Bunbury falls within the City boundaries, it is so handy for Cheshire Oaks,not to mention visits to the Vue cinema, Blue Planet or Boat Museum. It truly offers an oasis of tranquillity away from the shopping maelstrom!