Albion

Address

4 Albion Street

Chester

Cheshire

CH1 1RQ

Telephone

(01244) 340345

Opening Times

Weekdays

12 - 3 (3.30 Sat) , 5 (6 Sat) - 11

Closed

Sun evening

Strongly traditional pub with comfortable Edwardian décor and captivating World War I memorabilia; pubby food and good drinks The homely interior of this peaceful Victorian pub is entirely dedicated to the Great War of 1914-18; most unusually it's also the officially listed site of four war memorials to soldiers from the Cheshire Regiment. It's been run by the same friendly sincere licensees for over 40 years and there's something inimitably genuine about its lovely old-fashioned atmosphere. Throughout its tranquil rooms you'll find an absorbing collection of World War I memorabilia, from big engravings of men leaving for war, and similarly moving prints of wounded veterans, to flags, advertisements and so on. The post-Edwardian décor is appealingly muted, with dark floral William Morris wallpaper (designed on the first day of World War I), a cast-iron fireplace, appropriate lamps, leatherette and hoop-backed chairs and cast-iron-framed tables. You might even be lucky enough to hear the vintage 1928 Steck pianola being played; there's an attractive side dining room too. Service is friendly, though groups of race-goers are discouraged (opening times may be limited during meets), and they don't like people rushing in just before closing time. A good range of drinks includes Adnams and a couple of guests from brewers such as Hook Norton and Titanic on handpump, new world wines, fresh orange juice, organic bottled cider and fruit juice, over 25 malt whiskies and a good selection of rums and gins. Dog owners can request a water bowl and cold sausage for their pets. Bedrooms are small but comfortable and furnished in keeping with the pub's style (free parking for residents and a bottle of house wine if dining).

Even the trench rations are in period, and served in such generous helpings that they don't offer starters: boiled gammon and pease pudding with parsley sauce, corned beef hash with picked red cabbage, liver, bacon and onions with cider sauce, haggis, tatties and vegetables and filled staffordshire oatcakes.