Make-over for old Chester ale house

Feb 24 2011 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Make-over for old Chester ale house

A MAJOR refurbishment is taking place at one of Chester’s oldest pubs.

The Red Lion in Northgate Street was reopened last night (Wednesday) following an investment described as “ a significant six-figure sum”.

Badged as a Nicholson’s pub, the ‘Red Lion’ name will remain the same, just as it was in 1818 according to pub enthusiasts.

Nicholson’s prides itself on offering an extensive ales range, often showcasing unusual ales or ales from small breweries.

Most of its pubs carry an extensive range of ales at any one time and guest ales are rotated regularly.

A spokesman said: “The focus of the pub will be local and national real ales, wine and traditional pub food.”

Among the seven real ales to be offered on reopening will be Jennings’ Cumberland and Thwaites’ Lancaster Bomber.

A new manager, assistant manager and many new team members have been recruited and are currently undergoing training.

Some members of the Chester@Large website, which features Chester pubs and restaurants, are excited by the changes but wonder if The Red Lion will be going upmarket.

Steve Howe, of Hoole, wrote: “Not a house I habituated myself I must say but I do hear an exceedingly cheap pint was to be had there. No longer I would venture. Nonetheless, surely a welcome addition to Northgate Street.”

Another member of the website commented: “I wonder where the old clientele, such as they were, will relocate to?”

The Nicholson’s brand is owned by Mitchells and Butlers and there are just over 80 Nicholson’s in the current portfolio.