Sports Bars in Chester
Sports Bars in Chester — Watch Live Football, Rugby & More
Watching sport in Chester works well. The city is close enough to both Liverpool and Manchester that the support is genuinely split — you'll find Everton, Liverpool, Man City and Man United fans all watching in the same Chester pubs, which makes for an interesting atmosphere on derby days. Chester FC's own fanbase adds a local dimension that's worth experiencing if you're in the city on a match day, with the pre-game pub circuit around the Sealand Road area worth seeking out.
Most of Chester's sports pubs hold subscriptions to both Sky Sports and TNT Sports, which between them cover the Premier League, Champions League, international rugby, and most of the major live sport that people want to watch. A handful of venues also pick up international channels for overseas fixtures. For the biggest matches — Champions League knockouts, Six Nations weekends, major boxing nights — booking a table is strongly recommended, as the better sports bars fill up fast.
The big-match atmosphere in Chester's sports pubs is genuinely good. Because the city isn't dominated by a single team's fanbase the way some northern cities are, there's a more mixed crowd on Premier League weekends, and the banter tends to be relatively good-natured. For Champions League nights, a few venues put on specific match packages with reserved tables, food deals, and pre-match coverage — worth looking at the venue's social media pages in the week before a big game.
Venues
12 venuesBear & Billet
A Grade I listed, three-storey black-and-white half-timbered pub dating from 1664, originally the town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury. Real ales and real fires. Currently open just three days a week (Fri-Sun) with no food — kitchen closed permanently.
City Tavern
Well-established pub and restaurant on Frodsham Street dating back to 1872. Part of Stonegate Group. Full food menu including breakfast, lunch deals, curry corner, and chippy. 2-4-1 cocktails, extensive spirits range, shots deals, and live sports. Kids menu available.
The Cornerhouse
Lively bar on City Road near Chester station. Popular spot for pre-drinks and sports viewing with a casual, pub-style atmosphere.
The Dublin Packet
Traditional pub on Northgate Street overlooking Town Hall Square. Named after the packet boats that sailed to Ireland from Chester's old docks. Everton legend Dixie Dean was once landlord. Freshly cooked pizzas, pool, darts, and live sports on Sky and TNT Sports. Now operated by Nest Pubs.
The Mill Hotel
A converted 1830 corn mill spanning the Shropshire Union Canal, with glass-walled frontage crossing the water. Twelve real ale hand pumps, canalside bars, a restaurant, spa, and a unique canal barge dining cruise.
The Old Dukes
Independently owned two-floor American-style sports bar on Bell Tower Walk. Multiple large-screen TVs showing NFL, football and rugby, two full-size shuffleboards, pool tables, and board games. Burgers, dirty fries, wings, craft beers and cocktails.
The Old Queens Head
A Craft Union community pub on Foregate Street with late-night opening, sports screens, pool tables, and regular entertainment. One of Chester's go-to spots for watching live sport and staying out late.
The Red Lion
Historic 1600s Tudor black and white pub on Northgate Street. Well-pulled pints, pub food with a modern flavour for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Real ales, Sky Sports live fixtures, and a famously haunted cellar. Dog-friendly with limited outside seating.
The Saddle Inn
Chester's home of rock, established 2017. Live music venue with live bands Saturday, open mic Wednesday, karaoke Friday, acoustic Sundays. Hungarian chef specials, full food menu 11-9pm, late bites 9pm-midnight. Rock-themed cocktails, 4-for-£10 shots, bar bites 3-for-£15. 9 rock themed rooms, G21 venue for hire, band rehearsal room. TNT Sports, dog friendly, free pool Mondays.
The Shropshire Arms
Community pub on Northgate Street, part of Craft Union Pubs (Stonegate Group). Live sports on Sky and TNT Sports, dog-friendly, regular drinks promotions. A no-frills value pub with a focus on affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Watergates Bar
A Greene King pub in Chester's oldest medieval undercroft — a vaulted 12th-century stone crypt beneath Watergate Street. Low-lit arches, quarry tile floors, sports screens, and hearty pub grub including sharers and loaded burgers.
Town Crier
Grade II listed Italianate-style pub directly opposite Chester railway station. Sports-focused with multiple HD screens and bookable booths with individual TVs. Cask ales, all-day food, and a sizeable rear beer garden.
More Chester Guides
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Brunch
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Dog Friendly Pubs
Pubs and bars that welcome dogs
Craft Beer
Real ale pubs and craft beer bars
Live Music
Gigs, open mics and live bands
Chester Nightlife Guide
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Today's Deals
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Price Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch football in Chester?
Several Chester pubs and bars show live Premier League, Championship and European football, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports between them covering the full fixture list. The venues listed on this page have been tagged as sports TV venues by the Out In Chester team. For big matches, booking a table or arriving early is advisable as popular spots fill up quickly.
Which Chester pubs show Sky Sports?
A number of Chester pubs and bars hold Sky Sports subscriptions, covering Premier League football, Champions League, international cricket, golf and other live sport. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) is available at many of the same venues. The venues tagged as sports-tv on this page reliably show the major live sport packages — check their individual listings for screen setups and capacity.
Do I need to book a table for big matches in Chester?
For the biggest games — Premier League title run-ins, Champions League knockout nights, Six Nations weekends, and major boxing — yes, it's worth booking. Chester's sports pubs are popular on these occasions and the best seats with the best screen views go early. For regular Saturday 3pm kick-offs or midweek league games, you can usually walk in, but arriving 30–45 minutes before kick-off gives you the best choice of seats.
Know a Chester sports pub we haven't listed? Get in touch at hello@outinchester.com.