I’ve been wanting to write pub/restaurant reviews for a little while and, when we decided to pop into the Bear & Billet yesterday lunchtime, it seemed like a great place to start.
I’ll need to begin with a caveat – we LOVE the Bear & Billet. We have been many, many times and even hosted our post-wedding party there the day after our wedding (and they did a fantastic job).
Somehow, this is a pub which ticks all of the boxes. Want to watch live sports? Want a family friendly atmosphere? Want delicious home cooked food and a wide variety of drinks? No problem at all.
The pub is on Lower Bridge Street in Chester, and is very, very old. My parents used to drink there when they were young adults in Chester – but incredibly, the pub is even older than this, having been built in 1664. This means that you enjoy your beer in a beautiful timber-framed building over 3 levels.
Yesterday, we sat next to the window on the second floor. We had gone in because my husband wanted to watch Arsenal beat Tottenham, but unfortunately this plan failed and Arsenal lost. I spent most of the time people watching through the window.
We drank Jeremiah Weed Sour Mash, but there is a huge range of ales on tap and by the bottle too.
Now, the food! We didn’t want to eat too much because we went out for dinner yesterday evening too (I know, that’s naughty, but it’s my birthday weekend so it’s allowed) so we decided to share a meal. If you’re starving hungry, this is a brilliant place to go because the meal sizes are generous – and one meal between the two of us was plenty for a light lunch.
We’ve eaten here lots of times, so have tried most things on the menu (which changes fairly often – find the current one here). The food is hearty, homemade traditional pub food – with a bit of a twist. They have a large range of fairly unusual burgers – all of which are delicious. We went for the Bavarian burger, a gorgeous soft steak burger piled high with Bavarian ham, smoked cheese and mushrooms and onions cooked in mustard and beer sauce. It was moist and very, very tasty. All of the burgers are served with either fries or hand-cut chips with a choice of toppings – we went for garlic butter because calories don’t count on a birthday weekend. Ours also arrived with a side of onion rings, which were very crispy and fresh.
The prices are reasonable too – it was just £9.95 for our burger and this was one of the most expensive ones on the menu.
If you’re in Chester and fancy a relaxing meal or drink in a real pub, give the Bear & Billet a go. You’ll be well looked after! Just look at that burger!
WHAT TO HAVE FOR DINNER TONIGHT 
That burger looks AMAZING! Makes me want to renew my passport and hop on the next plane to whatever airport is nearby!
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It was sooo good!
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I would’ve loved to eat at a place this old! In US, this would’ve been an historical museum, not a functioning restaurant. Thank you for the post!
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Thanks! Chester is full of lovely old buildings like this 🙂
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This I’d a great review Harriet, and super idea, I will check the pub out next time I am in Chester
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Thank you!
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Nicely compiled!!
Also wishing you a very Happy Birthday!
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Thank you!
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That looks fabulous! 🙂
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Looks a great burger, but sadly I’m nowhere near Chester #weekendbloghop
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Will make sure to check this out next time we’re in Chester. Have had a few great weekends there, but never tried this pub.
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where is it? Happy b-bay!
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It’s in Chester, UK. And thank you 🙂
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Hi, lovely post and Happy Birthday:)
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Thanks Marisa!
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This looks delicious! We would love a good beer + burger combo! 🙂
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It was fantastic 🙂
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This looks amazing Harriet, we love going to Chester and will seek this place out next time we are up 🙂
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Nice review Harriet.
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Happy Birthday Harriet! The burger looks delicious! xoxo Jaim
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Thanks Jaim!
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I love this idea! We have a lot of amazing restaurants here in Austin, TX, so I like the review idea and may try it on my blog. Love your site. Hope to make it to the UK next year, so I will have to check out some of the spots you review. Thanks!
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Thank you!
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